3 players who could make or break Braves’ World Series chances

These three Atlanta Braves stars will determine if the 2023 team can win the World Series.

The Atlanta Braves won their first World Series in 26 years two seasons ago, but the pressure is on the franchise to get back to the Fall Classic to raise another championship banner for Braves Country.

Atlanta has won the NL East five straight seasons. Though the Braves play in the same division as the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, they have an excellent chance of making it a half-dozen in a row in 2023. Of course, Atlanta became synonymous with division titles under its iconic manager Bobby Cox. At this time, Braves baseball should only be viewed as World Series or bust.

If the Braves want to win World Series No. 5, these three stars will have to play a huge part in that.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: You need to tip the scales in October, and this generational talent can do it.
• Page 2: October baseball is all about how good the top-end of the rotation can perform.
• Page 3: To win multiple playoff series, a franchise cornerstone must be that until the end.

Atlanta Braves: 3 players who could make or break their shot at the World Series

Ronald Acuña Jr.’s talent could be what gets the Braves over the top in October

After battling through a recently repaired knee last season, one should expect to see right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. play out of his mind in 2023. While his personality and flair for the dramatic is not for everyone, not everyone can do what he does on the baseball diamond. If afforded the opportunity to be himself and play unencumbered baseball, he could win National League MVP.

Whether he is hitting one moonshot after another towards Smyrna, stealing bases like teammate Ozzie Albies does for tacos in October, or robbing another an NL East rival of extra bases in right, Acuña firing on all cylinders will propel the Braves to a level no one else can get to. Simply put, his talent raises the Braves’ overall ceiling to a level most baseball teams cannot even hope to match.

Ultimately, it will take a refined focus and approach out of the Venezuelan superstar in what will be a critical season for him. He got the benefit of the doubt for last year, but 2023 needs to be the year where Acuña carries the Braves for weeks at a time. His energy is undeniable, but harnessing it towards good and only good will tell the tale of if the Braves will win another one with this core.

Keep in mind that Acuña was on the IL during the Braves’ previous World Series run two years ago.

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