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MLB Opening Day: 1 reason every team could win the World Series

By Matt Whitener

Mar 21, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) signs autographs prior to a game against the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) signs autographs prior to a game against the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a long fly to right field allowing Braves right fielder Ender Inciarte (not pictured) to advance to third base during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a long fly to right field allowing Braves right fielder Ender Inciarte (not pictured) to advance to third base during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves: The best is yet to come

Selling the idea of the Braves competing for a title this year may be too expensive for anybody’s tastes, but they also don’t profile as a team that slates to be down and out for too long. Their rapid fire sale seems to have come to a close, as the team has been dogged in staying the course of not trading off first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is the last standing part of the team that took the field two years ago during Atlanta’s last winning campaign.

However, general manager John Coppolella has not set them up to be long-term suffers either. Freeman is joined in the core of the team by a number of players that profile to grow together in raising the team back up the NL East standings. Julio Teheran recaptured the form that made him such an exciting young arm just a few years ago as well. Jace Peterson and Ender Inciarte profile to be a part of a much improved immediate young core, while veterans such as Erick Aybar, Nick Markakis, Bud Norris, Jhoulys Chacin and Jim Johnson will provide both veteran bridge players, as well as easy to move trade chips for competitors throughout the year, which could net even more young talent to compile.

With Dansby Swanson, Mallex Smith and Ozzie Albies all on the verge of breaking through into the everyday lineup, the Braves’ future is in much better shape than it appears immediately.

Next: Baltimore Orioles

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