2024 Atlanta Braves O/U: Why the Braves Will Hit the OVER

As the sun rises in North Port, Florida, another thrilling day of Atlanta Braves Spring Training begins. The Braves gear up for a great baseball season and a probable Work Series run. They have emerged as the odds-on favorite as they seek their sixth crown in Major League Baseball’s 148th season. The great performance in 2023 has sparked discussion about their ability to win the OVER in 2024, with FanDuel Sportsbooks expecting an honest 101.5 wins.

The Braves have a history of success, having won multiple division crowns and four World Series championships. The team’s winning streak has only grown in recent years, culminating in a magnificent 104-win season that will lead the majors in runs scored per game at 5.8 and run differential at 1.4 per game in 2023. As we look ahead to the upcoming season, the Braves are well-positioned to continue their winning ways, with analysts forecasting a 101.5-win season. Let’s take a look at the main reason they will go OVER.

The Braves’ success is largely due to their outstanding roster. Players like Ronald Acuna and Matt Olsen have constantly given outstanding performances, making them important assets to the club. Despite his famous MVP season, Acuna appears to be on track to outperform last year in 2024, and while Matt Olsen undoubtedly peaked in 2023, he will still have one of the best seasons this year. FanGraphs Zips predicts 117 home runs from the Braves’ top three players: Acuna, Austin Riley, and Olsen.

Another key component of the Braves’ approach is to strengthen their pitching staff. With players like Strider leading the way, the Braves boast a solid pitching lineup. However, to secure their success in the future season, they will need to strengthen their pitching staff even more. Fortunately, the Braves have two top pitching prospects in the minors, AJ Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach, who are nearly ready for their big-league debuts. Those two, combined with Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and Max Fried, might be as lethal as the Maddox/Smoltz/Glavine era.

Strider, the Braves’ top pitcher, has attracted notoriety for his outstanding pitching abilities. With his sights set on the prestigious Cy Young Award, Strider is expected to play a key role in the Braves’ success this season. His outstanding track record, along with the fact that he recently completed his first 20-game winning season at the age of 23, makes him a strong contender for the honor.