4 biggest threats to the Atlanta Braves in the National League

Finding a true “threat” to the Atlanta Braves has been completely impossible since the start of June. A team that is without two of their top three pitchers in Max Fried and Kyle Wright keeps finding ways to win.

Whether it is a surprise performance from what is now a young rotation or the offense knocking an opposing starter out before the third inning, this team can win in so many ways. Whether it is knocking the ball out of the park or getting on base and stealing their way into scoring position, it is a relentless offense that rarely goes quiet.

It is a complete roster that should be expected to improve both at the trade deadline and by adding back key starters they are missing.

Who can realistically threaten the Atlanta Braves in the National League?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a step back and aren’t close to the team they have been in seasons past. This leaves the field after the Braves wide open in the National League without one clear threat come playoff time if the Atlanta roster is able to stay healthy.

With this in mind, let’s look at the four teams the Braves should have the most respect for heading into the playoffs at season’s end.

1. Cincinnati Reds

Yes, the Atlanta Braves recently took two out of three from this same group. However, all three games could have easily tilted in either direction. The Reds bring back a lot of memories of Atlanta teams just a few seasons ago as a fun young roster that never quits, no matter the situation or lead.

There is some fearlessness from this roster in their approach to the game that should earn an amount of healthy respect from Braves fans. Energized by a dynamic player now in the middle of their lineup and the return of veteran Joey Votto, this isn’t a team that can be ignored come postseason time.

While they are clearly a threat, the one issue is going to be starting pitching and matching up with Atlanta or any other team when both rosters are fully healthy. Cincy should be expected to be in the mix to add a starter at this year’s trade deadline in an attempt to add the one missing piece and become a clear tough matchup in any round.

3. San Diego Padres

Yes, the Padres are far out of division contention and trail in the Wild Card race by 6.0 games at the start of Thursday’s games. That is exactly where the rest of the league hopes this lineup stays that has thus far been a complete mess compared to expectations.

The Padres attempted to build the MLB version of a super team spending to build what looked to be the most impressive lineup in the National League. Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts headline what was thought to be the best lineup in the league.

Clearly, that isn’t San Diego, but Atlanta that has established itself as the deepest and most dangerous offense. However, if San Diego figures it out after the All-Star break, this is a lineup if clicking no team wants to face come postseason time.

The fact that this team is still a consideration in the National League despite an ugly start speaks to the lack of depth and just how big of a favorite that Atlanta has earned the right to be.

With young teams leading the way for the NL, Atlanta is clearly the team everyone is chasing not the struggling Padres, regressing Dodgers, or a Mets team that is learning you cannot buy a championship.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

While the Giants and Dodgers have both gone through hot streaks this season, it still is the Diamondbacks holding onto the division lead as we are days away from the All-Star break. Much like the Reds, Arizona is a young dangerous team with a lot of young talent that has stepped up at the perfect time.

Atlanta played a toughly fought series with Arizona that concluded with a memorable Eddie Rosario walk-off grand slam. A great moment that Atlanta needed to beat a scrappy young team as well as a reminder of just how talented and fearless this group is.

Unlike Miami or even Philly (who have been given far more recent decisive losses against the Braves), both Arizona and Cincy can look back at their respective series against Atlanta and have a reason to feel they can play against this team.

While that is unlikely to be true, Arizona deserves to be in this category considering what they continue to accomplish despite having very little proven talent on their roster.