Predicting Atlanta Braves' 2016 Record Going Into Spring Training

The 2015 Atlanta Braves finished the season 67-95, barely staying out of last place in the NL East. The Braves are getting ready to move to a new stadium in 2017 and have made some changes.

The Braves are built around all-world first baseman, Freddie Freeman. He is the face of the franchise and the team’s only legitimate superstar. Andrelton Simmons was traded this offseason, while Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher are no longer the stars who signed large free agent contracts just a few seasons ago. This leaves Freeman carrying the load for the next few seasons.

The starting pitching is the strength of this team. Julio Teheran leads a group of young pitchers with unbounded potential. Bud Norris is the security blanket for the other four contenders in the rotation. If Matthew Wisler, Williams Perez, Mike Foltynewicz, and Manny Banuelos can stay healthy and productive, the Braves can surprise a few teams. Jim Johnson, Jason Grilli, and Ian Krol are all reclamations projects that the Braves are hoping turn into productive members of the depleted bullpen.

Besides Freeman on offense, new center fielder Ender Inciarte promises to get on base in front of Freeman and international signee Hector Olivera. Olivera switched from third base after starting the 2015 in the minors for the Braves. The third outfielder, Nick Markakis, will also be tasked with getting on base and playing an elite right field so Inciarte can shift towards left to help out Olivera.

With a weak offense and bullpen, the Braves will have trouble sustaining any sort of winning streak in 2016. They’re still better off than they were in 2015 with Olivera and Inciarte in the mix. That should result in a record of 75-87, good enough to stay out of the cellar.