Will the Atlanta Braves make a playoff run after their slow start to the MLB season?

By Oliver Wiener June 15, 2025 10:41

The Atlanta Braves entered the 2025 MLB season with high expectations, aiming to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run. However, a slow start has put those ambitions in jeopardy, leaving fans and analysts wondering if the Braves can turn things around and reclaim their status as National League contenders.

A Rocky Start to the Season

As of mid-June, the Braves hold a 31-38 record, sitting fourth in the NL East and trailing the division-leading New York Mets by 13.5 games. Their .449 winning percentage is well below what is expected from a team with postseason aspirations. The Braves have struggled with consistency, particularly on the road where they are 12-24, compared to a more respectable 19-14 record at home.

One of the most glaring issues has been the team’s inability to close out games. ESPN’s David Schoenfield highlighted a disastrous seven-game losing streak that mirrored their 0-7 start to the season, which severely hurt their wild-card chances. Notably, the Braves blew a 10-4 ninth-inning lead at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, surrendering seven runs in a collapse that epitomized their early-season woes. This was followed by back-to-back walk-off losses to the San Francisco Giants, further eroding confidence.

Signs of Life Amid the Struggles

Despite these setbacks, there are signs the Braves might be pulling out of their slump. They recently won two of three games against the Milwaukee Brewers, including a convincing 6-2 victory. Moreover, the team is currently on a modest three-game winning streak, showing resilience and potential to build momentum.

The Braves’ offense, while inconsistent, still boasts talent. They have scored 289 runs so far, maintaining a positive run differential (+21), which suggests that their struggles have not been due to a lack of scoring but rather late-game pitching and defensive lapses. Key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider have been bright spots, with Strider recently earning a win in the latest outing, improving his record to 1-5 but showing flashes of dominance.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

The Braves face a challenging stretch ahead, including critical games against division rivals like the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. These matchups will be pivotal in determining whether Atlanta can close the gap in the NL East and remain in the playoff hunt. The team’s performance in these contests will likely influence their trade deadline strategy, as management weighs whether to bolster the roster for a playoff push or begin retooling for the future.

Expert Perspectives

ESPN’s Schoenfield remains cautiously optimistic but realistic: “The Braves have the talent to compete, but they need to fix their bullpen and find ways to win close games. Their upcoming schedule will be a true test of their playoff viability.” This sentiment echoes the general consensus that while the Braves have underperformed, their core talent and positive run differential offer hope.

The Atlanta Braves’ slow start to the 2025 season has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, but the team is far from out of contention. With a talented roster, recent signs of improvement, and a crucial schedule ahead, the Braves have the pieces to mount a comeback. Whether they can overcome their early-season struggles and make a meaningful playoff run will depend on their ability to close out games, tighten their pitching, and capitalize on key divisional matchups in the coming weeks.

For Braves fans, patience and belief remain essential as the team strives to turn the tide and reclaim their place among baseball’s elite contenders.