3 reasons the Braves can win the World Series in 2020

3. Pitching

While the bats are dynamic for the Braves, the arms might be just as good. With a great mix of veterans along with young, up and coming stars, the Braves rotation and bullpen has all the makings of a title contender.

Mike Soroka shined in his first full year as a starter. With a 13-4 record, 2.68 ERA and 142 strikeouts, Soroka was selected to the NL All-Star team. Entering his age-22 season, he will only get better with time to develop into a bonafide ace for years to come.

Alongside Soroka at the top of the rotation, Max Fried broke out in 2019 as well. Posting a 17-6 record, 4.02 ERA and 174 strikeouts, Fried will look to build on his best season in the majors. These two at the top of Atlanta’s rotation is dangerous for any lineup to face.

Atlanta also spent some big money on pitching this past winter. The Braves picked up former Phillies World Series champion and All-Star Cole Hamels on a one-year, $18 million contract. While he is not the same Hamels from his Philadelphia days, he is still a veteran presence that can either start or come out of the bullpen.

The Braves also picked up Will Smith to be the team’s closer. An All-Star in 2019, Smith will look to reassure a young Braves pitching staff. Although Smith tested positive for COVID-19, Atlanta hopes to have him rejoin the roster sometime soon during the season.

While these are the main names to look out for, other arms such as Touki Toussaint, Sean Newcomb, Mike Foltynewicz and Luke Jackson will be key for Atlanta’s run. The upstart Braves could make some noise with a deep playoff run, and maybe even turn it into a World Series championship by the end of October.