Shanks: Here's why the Atlanta Braves are set up for another deep postseason run in 2023

It’s incredible to think the Atlanta Braves could be even better than last season, when they won 101 games and captured their fifth straight National League East division title.

But it might actually happen.

This is not a proclamation that the Braves will win 102 games or more, but they could still be better, even if the win total is not as high. That could serve them well when they get into baseball’s postseason, which is all about being hot at the right time.

Having Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider for the full season. Getting Ozzie Albies back after he played only 64 games last year. Seeing Ronald Acuna, Jr. have a full offseason and being another year removed from his ACL knee injury. Maybe having the best lineup in baseball. Having great depth in the starting rotation.

That’s it. Those are the main reasons optimism should be in order. Of course, it’s late-March, so as they say, hope springs eternal for every team starting the season Thursday.

There is no doubt having the top two finishers in the Rookie of the Year voting available for the full season is important. Some think Harris could be a 30/30 player, and every indication is he’s only going to get better. And to imagine Strider getting 30 starts instead of the 20 he got last year is a dream, only to wonder how high his strikeout total might get if he approaches 180 or more innings.

Albies’ return to the lineup could be huge. Sure, the Braves won 101 games without him for most of last season, but heck, they won it all two seasons ago without Acuna. That doesn’t diminish having both back for full seasons and what it could mean for the lineup.

Remember, Albies hit 30 home runs in 2021. He hit four in spring training this year, so he looks healthy at the plate. In the field, however, where his arm is a huge question mark, the Braves will be cautious, and you wonder if Albies could even get time as the team’s designated hitter some.

It’s time for Acuna to bust out. OK, we get the excuse that he wasn’t all the way back from his injury last year, so there is no excuse now. Acuna is a machine, an elite five-tool talent. In almost every prognostication article for this season, Acuna is mentioned as a MVP candidate. If he is, the Braves will be very tough to beat.

And for Acuna to lead off this lineup is crazy, especially knowing the potential of all the players. Matt Olson put up Bugs Bunny numbers this spring, with eight home runs. He made an adjustment in his swing late last season, and has been a monster ever since. Then to have Austin Riley hitting third, the Braves have three players at the top of the lineup capable of 30-plus home runs.

But, wait, there’s more. I know there will be skepticism, but Marcell Ozuna had a great spring. The Braves have kept him around, despite his off-field troubles, because he’s a good teammate and does everything they ask him to do. And this spring, he’s hit. If Ozuna can return to his 2020 form, when he was threatening to win the Triple Crown in the shortened season…

Harris will bat fifth, followed by Albies, and then the catchers. Yes, that’s plural. The Braves may not have the best catcher in baseball. That’s Philadelphia’s J.T. Realmuto. But the two-catcher system with Travis d’Arnaud and Sean Murphy will make this team better. A team is always strong when there is strength behind the plate, and these are two All-Star players.

Eddie Rosario has also had a good spring. He can now see again, which he couldn’t last year. That seems important for hitting a baseball. And then Orlando Arcia will bat ninth and get the chance to hold down shortstop, at least for now. But don’t count him out for having a good season in the field and at the plate.

Then there’s the rotation, with a true ace in Max Fried leading the way. Fried is not just the number one starter, he’s an ace. There is a difference, and Fried’s career 54-25 and 3.09 ERA is proof. Some predict Strider could win the Cy Young with a full year as a starter, and Charlie Morton is back to provide the veteran presence needed in any championship rotation.

For now, rookies Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd will hold down the last two spots. They were outstanding this spring. Kyle Wright should be back when the Braves return home to play the Reds in the season’s second week.

But it’s the depth behind those six that makes this even more interesting. The Braves hope Ian Anderson can get back on track in Triple-A Gwinnett. He won’t be rushed, and if he can recover, the Braves will have another middle-of-the-rotation pitcher. Bryce Elder pitched well at times last year in spot starts. Then there’s Michael Soroka, who is this team’s wild card. From an All-Star appearance to lingering on the injured list, he’s now back and early returns are promising.

No team in baseball has the depth the Braves have. Of course, that can change in a hurry in this game, but on paper, this roster looks very, very good.

Yes, the Braves might be better this year. Yes, they should be a serious contender to win it all in October. And yes, we’ll feel good enough after their meaningless 18-10 Grapefruit League success to believe they will win their second title in three years. Why not. But as we learn each and every April, it’s a long way to October.

Listen to the Bill Shanks Show weekdays at 3:00 pm ET on TheSuperStations.com. Email Bill at TheBillShanksShow@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Atlanta Braves are set up for another deep postseason run in 2023