The 2021 Braves were a team that went on a very impressive run to win their first World Series since 1995. But here are a couple of reasons why I think their 2022 season will be different.

First of all, the Braves’ regular-season success was mostly a product of playing in the worst division in baseball. This was a division that the Braves won, winning a measly 88 games. Which outside of the NL East wouldn’t have even been good enough to win a division let alone make the playoffs. Also the NL east, outside of the Braves, has made major improvements. The Mets have added Max Scherzer, Eduardo Escobar, Mark Cahna, Chris Bassitt, and Starling Marte. Strengthening their outfield, infield, and already elite pitching staff. The Phillies have also made big improvements, signing big-time bats, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. They also added Corey Knebel and Brad Hand to a struggling bullpen. Meanwhile, the Braves have been underwhelming this offseason, their notable moves being replacing Freddie Freeman with Matt Olson, and adding Kenley Jansen, and Collin McHugh to their great bullpen.

Another reason why I think the Braves will disappoint is that the players they relied on last year, I believe won’t be able to repeat their production. The losses of Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson will be hurtful to the team’s offensive production. I also think that there is no chance that Eddie Rosario will be able to repeat what he did for the Braves last year, considering that outside of last year Eddie Rosario is a very average player. Another player who was a big contributor to the Braves’ success was Adam Duvall who like Rosario can have his moments but overall is a very average hitter with good defense. Obviously, the Braves will get Ronald Acuna Jr. back, which will be huge for them. But outside of him, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. There is nobody else who is standout offensively, or defensively. Their pitching staff will still probably be very good, but considering that Charlie Morton is almost 40, I don’t think their good pitching will be enough to put them over the top of the Mets or even the Phillies.

I would not be surprised to see the Braves barely sneak into the playoffs, or even miss the playoffs altogether.