Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Ronald Acuna Jr.
Atlanta Braves Odds
| Divisional Odds | +120 |
| Pennant Odds | +500 |
| World Series Odds | +1000 |
| Regular Season Wins | 91.5 |
| To Make Playoffs | Yes -275 / No +210 |
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Atlanta Braves Pick
Mets Win Total +4.5 Yankees Win Total (-112)
If you allow me a hot take for the Braves’ 2021 outlook, it is that Anderson — and not Max Fried nor Mike Soroka — will be Atlanta’s most effective pitcher. The former No. 3-overall pick dominated at every stop on his quick ascent through the minor leagues, while striking out 11.4 batters per nine innings in 2019 in the high minors — matching his 2020 strikeout rate at the MLB level.
Moreover, his low-spin fastball (10th percentile) and curveball (seventh percentile) help to generate a high number of ground balls (52.5%), while his best pitch — a changeup — worked to tame left-handed hitters (.201 wOBA vs. .269 vs. righties). It’s difficult to find any weaknesses in Anderson’s profile; he’s extremely polished for a young pitcher, and on the path to an All-Star caliber season if he repeats his 2020 success.
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Projected 26-Man Roster
Courtesy of FanGraphs
Starting pitchers: Charlie Morton, Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Drew Smyly
Bullpen: Chris Martin, Will Smith, A.J. Minter, Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson, Grant Dayton, Sean Newcomb, Nate Jones, Josh Tomlin, Huascar Ynoa
Catchers: Travis d’Arnaud, Alex Jackson
Infielders: Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, Ehire Adrianza, Pablo Sandoval
Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr., Marcell Ozuna, Cristian Pache, Ender Inciarte