For far too long, the Atlanta Braves have been the butt of jokes as a team that would have great regular seasons, only top flop in the playoffs. Cause by their perpetual playoff failures. In 2020 the Braves overcame that label with a stirring postseason performance. In fact, their performance took them to the seventh and deciding game of the National League Championship Series. Although they lost to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, respect was restored. Atlanta is a top 2021 baseball betting favorite. And a weak National League East enhances their odds.
2021 Atlanta Braves Team Preview
| Odds to Win 2021 National League Pennant: | +530 |
|---|---|
| Odds to Win 2021 World Series: | +980 |
| Odds to Win 2021 National League East Division: | +130 |
| 2021 Over/Under Win Total: | 91.5 |
| 2020 Record: | 43-29, +$593 units, 37-30-5 OU |
2021 Atlanta Braves SBG Odds Overview
At the onset, Atlanta is one of the top betting favorites in the National League. Many gamblers believe they have enough to go all the way. Atlanta has several advantages for the 2021 season. First, the Braves are the best team in the National League East. Atlanta is deep and balanced and lacks an online betting weakness. Of great concern is if Atlanta will draw too much in the way of public support. Public expectations are through the roof for the Braves. Yet the high price may still be worth it. The 2020 playoffs changed perceptions.
2021 Atlanta Braves Team Preview
The 2020 Atlanta Braves finished with a record of 35-25 and were 32-23-5 over the total. To show, Atlanta won the American League East for the third consecutive season. MLB metrics showed the Braves 2nd for run-scoring, 2nd for batting average, 1st for OPS, 2nd for home runs, 15th for earned run average, 17th for WHIP, 21st for quality starts, and fourth for the bullpen.
Namely, Drew Smyly and Charlie Martin are new additions for 2021. Atlanta brass believed it necessary to fortify the pitching staff. Most important of all, the Braves ensured that Marcell Ozuna returned to the batting order. Despite the fact that he is unlikely to serve as designated hitter like he did last season. Marcell Ozuna is a two-time NL All-Star and NL Silver Slugger Awardee. Last year in just 60 games, he hit 14 doubles, 18 home runs, and drove in 56 runs. He is among the most exciting players in baseball.
Yet another entertaining player is Ronald Acuna. Acuna was a top performer in 2020. In 46 games, Acuna scored 46 runs and hit 11 doubles with 14 home runs and 29 runs batted in. Acuna was a 2020 NL Second Team All-Star.
Max Fried returns as the number one starter after a sensational 2020 season in which he went 7-0 with a 2.25 earned run average. Also, Fried posted a 1.09 WHIP. For his efforts, he was named to the All-MLB First Team for the 2020 campaign. Indeed, he makes the Braves a baseball betting favorite any time he takes the hill.
My, what a difference a year makes. Atlanta is no longer being laughed at by fans and gamblers. As a matter of fact, the Braves are seen as the top National League challenger to the Dodgers. Atlanta has the pitching and power to go as far as they want.