Braves rely on Profar and Sale for success

The Atlanta Braves finished the 2024 season with an 89-73 record, placing second in the NL East. They lost several key players, including pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton, and catcher Travis d'Arnaud. New additions include outfielder Jurickson Profar and infielder Nick Allen. The Braves aim to compete with the high-spending Phillies and Mets while relying on the performance of returning players like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley. Top prospect Drake Baldwin will step in as catcher due to Sean Murphy's injury. Rookie pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver may also see opportunities as the Braves look to maintain their playoff presence despite a more conservative spending approach.