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Heading into the 2016 season, it’s assumed that the Atlanta Braves are going to be one of the worst teams in baseball. But instead of just assuming, perhaps it’d be wise to look at the reasons why the Braves figure to be so bad this season. Let’s look at Atlanta’s biggest weaknesses going into spring training.
5. Millions In Wasted Payroll
Credit: Kelley L. Cox - USATODAY Sports5. Millions In Wasted Payroll
Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher are making nearly $30 million combined, and based on their track records, the Braves can't count on them contributing much this season. That's a lot of wasted money, and it's a big reason why the Braves won't be able to put a winning team on the field in 2016.
4. Downgrade On Defense
Credit: Brett Davis - USATODAY Sports4. Downgrade On Defense
Trading away Gold Glover Andrelton Simmons is definitely going to hurt Atlanta's defense. On top of that, Hector Olivera, who has never played the outfield, is penciled in as the team's left fielder. Not that the Braves don't have a few good defensive players, but that doesn't figure to be a huge strength in 2016.
3. Bullpen Depth
Credit: Getty Images3. Bullpen Depth
Arodys Vizcaino had a good season last year and should be fine as the team's closer, but the Braves may have trouble getting the ball to him in the ninth. Atlanta is banking on 39-year-old Jason Grilli and Shae Simmons, who's fresh off Tommy John, being the team's primary setup men, which isn't exactly promising.
2. Lack of Power
Credit: Evan Habeeb - USATODAY Sports2. Lack of Power
The Braves had the fewest home runs in baseball last year, and it wasn't even close. Freddie Freeman should be a reliable power source, but the Braves don't figure to have much help around him. They'll be lucky to eclipse the pitiful total of 100 home runs the team hit last year.
1. Starting Rotation
Credit: Charles LeClaire - USATODAY Sports1. Starting Rotation
Julio Teheran is the de facto ace, and that's after a mediocre 2014 season. The Braves have some talented pitching prospects in the minors, but their projected rotation heading into spring training is young, unproven and not exactly filled with rising stars. Even if the Braves overachieve on offense, their rotation will hold them back this season.
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