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
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von Baseball America.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von Baseball America.
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HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
