The Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series after a dominant postseason display in which they eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and then the Houston Astros in the World Series.
However, their regular season was completely different.
They were second and even third in the standings in the early stages of the season, as the New York Mets entered the second half as the leaders in the NL East.
They collapsed, though, and Atlanta pounced and took the division with just 88 wins.
According to MLB on FOX and FOX Bet, the over/under for them in 2022 is actually similar to their 2021 total.
“Will the defending champs finish over or under 89.5 wins this season?,” MLB on FOX tweeted, starting up a debate in the replies.
Will the defending champs finish over or under 89.5 wins this season? pic.twitter.com/gTcDxfnhKS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 28, 2022
The Braves Should Be Able To Win More Than 90 Games
If Ronald Acuna Jr. comes back as expected in late April and he shows the same form he had before going down in July, the Braves have a good chance of eclipsing that win total.
Atlanta won’t have Freddie Freeman on their roster anymore, and with him, a few wins are actually gone.
But Matt Olson, his replacement, was actually more valuable in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) than Freeman; 5.0 to 4.5.
The Braves also brought in star reliever Kenley Jansen and most of their core remains intact: Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, Ian Anderson, and more.
Another thing to keep in mind is that both the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are improved, likely capping Atlanta’s win ceiling somewhat.
In the end, however, the Braves should be able to win more than 90 games unless something really bad happens in 2022.
NEXT: Video Shows Ronald Acuna Jr. On The Comeback Trail
