TEAM TO BEAT
ATLANTA BRAVES
The Braves are in position this season to win their six straight NL East crown. Atlanta returns the lineup core-Austin Riley, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson-that finished third in MLB in runs scored last season while adding 28-year-old catcher Sean Murphy. The offense also will benefit from returns to health from Acuña and Ozzie Albies as well as potential growth for sophomores Michael Harris II and Vaughn Grissom, who takes over shortstop from free agent departure Dansby Swanson. The pitching outlook is just as rosy in Atlanta, which ranked sixth in MLB in ERA and second in strikeouts last season. Max Fried, Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright anchor a rotation that could see steps forward from lan Anderson and Michael Soroka. Raisel Iglesias takes over at closer for Kenley Jansen, with newcomer Joe Jimenez and the returning A.J. Minter in setup roles.
TOP PLAYER
RONALD ACUÑA JR., RF, BRAVES
In a division loaded with stars, including Bryce Harper, Austin Riley, Trea Turner and Pete Alonso, it is Acuña who has the highest upside to reach. We haven't seen Acuña at his absolute best since the first half of 2021. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in July of that year and returned in 2022 to put up a 114 OPS+ in 119 games. Acuña hit just 15 homers in his return, but with his legs under him this season, he is poised for 35 or more with a plate approach that has matured with age.
TOP PITCHER
SANDY ALCANTARA, RHP, MARLINS
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