A Hot Start: The Braves Performance in the First 10 Games of 2024

The Atlanta Braves have commenced the 2024 season with a bang. With a 7-3 record in their first ten games, their projected target of 113 wins, exceeding their predicted O/U of 101. Did you listen to us and take the over?  Despite their star player Max Fried’s inconsistent performance and the loss of Spencer Strider to a potential second Tommy John surgery, the Braves are on fire, lets take a deep look into the numbers. 

The Braves’ Performance in the First 10 Games of 2024

Despite playing fewer games than most teams, they have achieved respectable results in several counting stats. The Braves lead the league with an average of 6.90 runs per game. With a batting average of .306, the Braves also lead in this category.

The Braves’ on-base percentage, another key offensive metric, is the highest in the league at .368, and they lead in slugging with a .512 average and have an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of .880, the highest in the league.

Another area in which the Braves have excelled is in hitting doubles. They have hit 31 doubles in their first ten games, a feat only achieved by twelve other teams going back to 1871. Doubles win games, it’s science.

Several players have contributed significantly to the Braves’ early success. Their performances have been instrumental in securing the team’s impressive record.

Matt Olson targets Earl Webb

Matt Olson, the league’s home run leader in 2023 with 54, is on pace for 48. We projected 41 for him in spring, but he leads Atlanta with six doubles in the first ten games this year. Again, doubles win games. The Braves win 75% of their games when Olson hits a double. If you are doing the math, Olson is on pace for 97 doubles; Earl Webb of the Red Sox set the MLB record with 67 doubles in 1931. 

Marcell Ozuna’s Chase for the Home Run Record?

Marcell Ozuna has made a remarkable contribution with his team-leading five home runs. Ole Big Bear’s honey business is finally taking off, and he is looking at a career-high in home runs in 2024, being on pace for a Ruthian 81. It’s early. Relax; Ozuna will probably not set a new home run record. 

Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Comeback

Despite a slow start, Ronald Acuña Jr. finally shows signs of his MVP form in recent games. In a game against the Mets, he tallied a pair of hits, reached safely in each of his first four plate appearances, and stole three bases, reminding fans of his 2023 MVP season. By the end of this year, Acuña will be carving his face of the Braves Mt. Rushmore. 

Jarred Kelenic is a Pleasant Suprise

This Braves picked up Kelenic to help fill a hole in left field with a plan to platoon a few players there, then low and behold, they have uncovered a gem. Kelenic is leading the best-hitting team in the NL with a .462 AVG and a 1.094 OPS through 10 games. Before we get to excited, though, his success is primarily due to the strength of the Braves lineup and hitting coach extraordinaire Kevin Seitzer. 

Pitching: We are not going to talk about the Pitching

The rotation is in shambles; it’s time to bring up Bryce Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Darius Vines and let them battle through the Strider injury and whatever is happening with Fried.