3 reasons the Braves can win the World Series in 2020
By Tyler Kemp
In a 60-game MLB season, the Atlanta Braves are in prime position to make a World Series championship run in 2020.
Coming off of back to back 90-win seasons in 2018 and ’19, the Atlanta Braves will look to carry their momentum in order to take the next step going into the 2020 MLB season. Although the season is shortened to 60 games, Atlanta still has the key components necessary to make a deep playoff run.
Last season was another great year in the ATL. Manager Brian Snitker led his crew to another NL East division title. While Atlanta was riding high going into October, the season came to a halt after losing to the Cardinals in the NLDS.
With a reloaded roster and the young guys coming back with another year of playoff experience, Atlanta has transitioned into being a true contender. Here are a few reasons why the Braves can a World Series title this year.
1. Schedule
In order to limit travel across the country, the MLB has constructed schedules for all 30 teams so that they play their division rivals and interleague teams from the same region. As a result, the Braves will be playing 40 games against their NL East opponents and 20 against the AL East.
Within the division, the Braves should be favored as one of the best in the NL East. While the Nationals did win the World Series, a championship hangover combined with a shortened season could derail Washington’s repeat chances. In Queens, the Mets are dealing with the early injury bug by missing their No. 2 starting pitcher in Noah Syndergaard for the season.
Philadelphia is solid, but it is in the middle of the road in terms of expectations for the 2020 season. While New York, D.C. and Philly are the teams that are expected to push Atlanta the most, Miami will mostly just look to play spoiler against its aforementioned division rivals.
The AL East has a bit of a similar structure. The Yankees and Rays are expected to be the top two teams competing in the division. Boston and Toronto are both somewhere in the middle looking to make a Wild Card push. Lastly, Baltimore is not yet ready to compete for the playoffs, but a shortened season will make its games against division rivals that much more important.
As a whole, Atlanta needs to take advantage of this schedule. With a 46-30 record against division opponents last year, Atlanta is definitely one of the teams to beat. Against the AL East, the Braves will have to take advantage of the teams that are not as good as New York or Tampa.