ATLANTA -- A little more than three months after entering the season with legit World Series hopes, the Braves entered the All-Star break 11 games under .500. Their 42-53 record is their worst through 95 games since 2016, when they were in the middle season of what proved to be a three-year rebuild.
Injuries have certainly played a part. Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López and AJ Smith-Shawver are all on the 60-day injured list. The rotation was also without Spencer Strider for a total of two months. But the primary issue has been a maddening offense that has been weakened by the drastic declines of Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, who both rank among MLB’s bottom seven players in OPS.
This has been an unfortunate turn of events, especially with the expectation manager Brian Snitker will retire at the end of this season. The opportunity to turn things around is hindered by the fact Sale won’t be available until the latter part of August and Schwellenbach won’t be ready to pitch until some point in September.
Here is a look at how the next few weeks and months might go for the Braves:
Goal for the second half: Get a feel for 2026
If the Braves trade Marcell Ozuna before the July 31 Trade Deadline, they can use the final two months getting a feel for alternating Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin between the catcher and designated hitter roles. Likewise, they can spend more time debating whether it makes sense to exercise Albies’ $7 million option, which includes a $4 million buyout. López, who could be used as a starter or reliever, and Joe Jiménez could be declared ready to pitch again by the end of the year. This would provide a chance to get a better feel for offseason needs in both the rotation and bullpen.
Likely Trade Deadline strategy: Sell to gain organizational depth
The Braves have said they won’t trade any players controlled beyond this year. This opens the door to move Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias. The club should also listen to offers for Albies and Pierce Johnson, who both have an option for 2026. None of these players will garner a significant return. But there is a need to add organizational depth in both the position player and starting pitching departments.
Player to watch: CF Michael Harris II
Harris entered the All-Star break ranked last among qualified MLB players with a .551 OPS. And it’s not like he’s trending in the right direction. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year has a .445 OPS since June 1. If Harris continues to struggle, there’s a chance he could be sent to Triple-A Gwinnett to work on his swing. This is certainly not what the Braves want in the third year of an eight-year, $72 million deal. But there’s a chance the skilled center fielder regains his balance at the plate and shows better plate discipline during the second half. His performance in the second half could impact offseason plans.
Prospect to watch: INF Nacho Alvarez Jr.
The Braves' No. 3 prospect missed this season’s first two months with a wrist injury and then strained his oblique after a playing just a few games with Gwinnett. He was recalled just before the All-Star break to replace the injured Austin Riley as Atlanta’s third baseman. This big league stint will give him a chance to quiet his critics who grew louder last year when it was apparent he wasn’t ready to hit big league fastballs. If he shows he can hit and leads the organization to believe he could handle second base if needed, his production during this second half could influence whether the Braves exercise Albies’ $7 million option.
Schedule analysis
- Games remaining: 67 (Home, 35; Away, 32)
- Remaining strength of schedule: .508, 9th in MLB, fifth in NL, second in NL East
- Key series
- July 18-20: Even if a blister prevents Max Fried from pitching, the Yankees will still create a buzz throughout this first weekend after the break.
- Aug. 22-24: Members of the 1995 World Series championship team will be honored during ceremonies staged Friday leading up to a series opener against the Mets.
- Sept. 26-28: Along with the possibility of seeing Paul Skenes make his final start of the season, Braves fans can help celebrate Snitker’s 49-year tenure with the team. He is expected to retire at the end of the season.