The Atlanta Braves are at a crossroads this season. Recent losses have nudged them into a spot that could actually help them in the upcoming MLB draft lottery.
Injuries and setbacks have really thrown a wrench into their 2023 campaign. Still, the draft outlook is turning heads, especially with next year’s prospect class looking so stacked.
Let’s take a closer look at where the Braves stand, what’s happening across the league, and the latest on injuries and trades around Major League Baseball.
Braves Poised for Top-Five MLB Draft Lottery Odds
After dropping their latest game on Saturday, the Braves sit just three losses behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics. Those two are currently leading the chase for the second-best draft lottery odds.
Atlanta has a narrow lead—one loss and 1.5 games—over the Baltimore Orioles for the fourth-best odds. They’ve managed to keep a 5.5-game cushion over the Minnesota Twins, who are next in line.
Why does this matter? Top-five draft lottery odds give the Braves a real shot at the first overall pick. Even if they miss that, they’ll still pick early enough to grab some of the best young talent in years.
The MLB draft lottery decides the top six picks, so every loss carries weight. There’s a lot at stake for Atlanta, both right now and down the road.
What’s at Stake for the Braves?
The hype around next year’s draft class is hard to ignore. Scouts are already buzzing about several prospects who could change a franchise’s fortunes.
For the Braves, who’ve battled injuries and inconsistent play, landing a top pick could reset everything. Some teams—like the Rockies, Nationals, Angels, and Cardinals—aren’t eligible for top-10 picks because of CBA rules. That narrows the field, giving Atlanta a better shot at moving up.
Injuries Hamper Braves’ Current Campaign
The future looks a little brighter thanks to draft positioning, but right now, injuries have overshadowed the Braves’ season. Their entire Opening Day starting rotation is out after Grant Holmes hit the injured list with elbow tightness.
It’s another setback for a pitching staff that’s struggled to stay healthy or consistent. On a better note, Michael Harris flashed his potential in the latest game, giving fans at least something to smile about.
Still, the same issues keep popping up. Bad luck, recurring injuries, and a bit of frustration have made this season a grind. As things wind down, it’s pretty clear Atlanta’s focus is shifting toward rebuilding and looking ahead.
League-Wide News: Notable Trades and Injuries
The Braves aren’t the only team in the spotlight. As the MLB season heads toward its final stretch, a handful of notable trades and injuries have shaken things up.
The New York Yankees grabbed infielder Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals in a mid-season move. The Kansas City Royals also made a deal, sending Andrew Hoffman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Randal Grichuk.
Both teams in that trade have matching win-loss records, which is a quirky detail that might mean nothing—or everything—going forward. Meanwhile, the Yankees took a hit when Aaron Judge landed on the IL with a flexor strain.
Judge dodged a UCL injury, but he’ll be out for a bit. That’s a tough break for a team still trying to lock down a playoff spot.
Looking Ahead
The rest of the 2023 season feels like a chess match for most teams, including the Atlanta Braves. Some are bracing for the 2024 MLB Draft, while others are just trying to survive a wave of injuries.
For the Braves, landing top-five draft lottery odds might end up being the real story of this rocky year. That kind of luck could change their path for seasons to come.
Now, as the playoff picture sharpens, fans everywhere are glued to the last stretch. Some squads are pushing for October, while others quietly start planning for next year.
Either way, you can bet there’ll be drama right up to the final pitch.
Here is the source article for this story: Braves News: Draft lottery lookahead, Grant Holmes injury, more
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