The Atlanta Braves have officially secured a spot in the postseason, becoming the first team to do so this year. With a 93-49 record, the Braves currently have the best record in Major League Baseball. Their next goals are to clinch the NL East title and secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason by finishing with the best record in the league.
The Braves have held the first place position since April 3 and have maintained a double-digit division lead since July 20. They are on track to win 106 games, tying the franchise record set in 1998. Once they secure MLB’s best record, they will have a bye in the Wild Card Series and await the winner of the Wild Card Series between the second and third wild-card teams in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
This season, the Braves have been a powerhouse when it comes to hitting home runs. They currently lead the league with 273 home runs, surpassing their franchise’s single-season record set on August 30. They have a chance to challenge the all-time record of 307 home runs set by the 2019 Minnesota Twins, which was known as the “year of the home run.” Here is the current home run leaderboard for this season:
- Atlanta Braves: 273
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 221
- Tampa Bay Rays: 206
- Los Angeles Angels: 206
- New York Yankees: 203
Despite the perception that home runs are harder to attain in the postseason due to facing top pitchers, statistics show that home runs actually increase in the playoffs. In the last two years, there has been a decline in overall run scoring during the postseason, but an increase in the home run rate. This highlights the importance of home runs in October. The Braves’ proficiency in hitting home runs and preventing them, with one of the lowest home run rates in baseball, puts them in a favorable position for the postseason.
The Braves are also well-positioned for success in the postseason due to their strong core of players who are signed long-term and approaching their prime. They won the World Series in 2021 and have built a talented team that is considered one of the top contenders in recent memory.
