Atlanta Braves: Showing glimpses of dominance

ATLANTA, GA JUNE 16: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single during the game between Atlanta and San Diego on June 16th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 1 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JUNE 16: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single during the game between Atlanta and San Diego on June 16th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 1 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves
ATLANTA, GA JUNE 16: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single during the game between Atlanta and San Diego on June 16th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 1 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The future is now for the Atlanta Braves. The roster is finally beginning to shape up. They are showing a glimpse of dominance in the NL East. The Braves are finally being thrust back into playoff contention. And they are certainly not just a flash in the pan.

It has certainly felt like ages since the Atlanta Braves last sat in playoff contention this late into the season. Much has changed since then. But the Braves are arguably in a better position to make a playoff run than they were then.

The Atlanta Braves are one of the youngest teams in the MLB. And as a young team, they have had their fair share of growing pains. However, this Braves team has shown glimpses of dominance. Not just dominance, but dominance akin to the Braves teams of the 90’s.

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And just like those teams of the 90’s, the Braves have positioned themselves to remain atop the NL East for a long time. Despite having two 20-year-old’s in

Ronald Acuna Jr

. and

Mike Soroka

making an immediate impact, the Braves’ minor league system is still filled to the brim with talent. Third baseman

Austin Riley

is showing out in AAA Gwinnett.

Kolby Allard

is absolutely dealing in AAA with a 2.28 ERA. The lower levels include the likes of

Drew Waters

,

Ian Anderson

, and

William Contreras

.

In recent games, the Atlanta Braves have begun to assert their dominance at the Major League level. Both Mike Soroka and Julio Teheran have flirted with no-hitters this week. Freddie Freeman has gotten his power stroke back. Ender Inciarte is finally breaking out of his slump. The Braves have kept their foot on the gas pedal, whereas the Nationals have been struggling as of late.

Next: Braves 3B trade options

At this point, the Atlanta Braves have yet to delve into their prospect pool and make a trade. Yet, they have certainly positioned themselves well. They are currently leading the NL East, and certainly look to be headed for a playoff spot this year. Barring any significant setbacks, it appears that this is the year that the ‘Baby Braves’ finally break through into contention. And the Braves may be on the precipice of a long line of contending seasons.