This season for the Atlanta Braves has been among the most surprising in Major League Baseball. Despite being consistently called the second-best team in the MLB to begin the season, Atlanta remains 14 games behind the NL East and far behind in the wild card race as well. In 2025, the Braves’ season reached a low that has not been seen since 2017.
The Atlanta Braves Are Negative 10 Games for the First Time Since 2017
After the Braves started the season 0-7, many people knew that Atlanta would be worse this season than they had been in previous seasons. However, even though no team had started 0-7 and made the playoffs, Atlanta got on a hot streak and was able to reach a 23-22 record. From that point, it seemed likely that Atlanta would be able to compete for the NL East and possibly maintain a consistently good record.
However, from that point, Atlanta’s record has been an abysmal 4-15. This record puts Atlanta at 27-37, putting them behind the Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets in the NL East. Atlanta is also behind the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants in the NL Wild Card race. As the Braves fall 10 games below .500, it marks the first time since 2017 that this has happened. Overall, Atlanta is 14 games behind in the NL East and a horrible 9.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.
A Winning Streak Is Needed Soon
As a result of Atlanta’s 7-game losing streak, it is clear that Atlanta needs to begin winning soon. Atlanta already has work to do in the Wild Card race, but in addition to this, the unrealistic dream of the NL East will quickly become impossible without something good happening soon. The Mets are an easy 100-104 win team, while the Phillies are an easy 92-97 win team.
The Braves’ number one priority, however, needs to be the wild card race. Atlanta is 9.5 games behind, which is a mountain of games in such a loaded NL. Even comparing Atlanta to the 2019 Nationals or 2024 Mets is getting old, as both teams were better than 27-37 at this point, and both teams had less stiff competition in the NL.
If this great team even wants to sniff the possibility of a playoff run, the Braves need to go on a winning streak of 2023 caliber soon. Is it impossible? No, but it will be challenging when the next few teams include the Brewers and Mets, both of which are on a hot streak.
Atlanta Must First Address Underlying Issues
The Braves must address their most pressing issues to start winning. This includes a horrible offense with a lack of power, as starters DH Marcell Ozuna, CF Michael Harris II, SS Nick Allen, 2B Ozzie Albies, and LF Alex Verdugo all combine for an abysmal 18 homers. In comparison, the Mets’ starting DH (this isn’t a starting position for them, though), CF, SS, 2B, LF have over 40 homers.
Homers aren’t the name of the game, but in 2022, 2023, and even in 2024, Atlanta lived and died by the long ball. Atlanta also faces more issues than just a power shortage. Atlanta also lacks a bullpen, and the rotation remains a problem.
Atlanta’s problems are very evident as it continues to struggle. In 2025, the Braves’ start is the worst since 2017, not just seven games into the season, but 64 games. Atlanta is need of a win streak soon, or the season is going to be over for sure.
Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
