BREAKING NEWS: Braves Omitted from MLB Power Rankings Top 10 — What Analysts Are Saying, and Can Atlanta Bounce Back Next Week?
April 29, 2025 — Atlanta, GA
In a move that has stunned fans and stirred up controversy across the baseball world, the Atlanta Braves have fallen out of the top 10 in this week’s MLB Power Rankings — a dramatic drop that has analysts and commentators offering a wide range of opinions on what’s gone wrong for one of the league’s most talented teams.
Once considered a lock for the top five and a perennial World Series contender, the Braves now find themselves ranked 13th, with concerns mounting about inconsistent pitching, defensive miscues, and injuries that have hampered momentum in April.
A Surprising Slide
The Braves’ fall marks their lowest power ranking position in over two years, triggering widespread concern — and a fair share of criticism — from fans and insiders alike.
🎙️ Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic:
“Atlanta has the talent to be top five in the league — easily. But right now, they’re not playing like it. This isn’t about potential, it’s about results, and the results just haven’t been consistent enough.”
🎙️ Buster Olney, ESPN:
“The Braves are in a funk. Their top guys aren’t producing like we’ve come to expect, and the bullpen hasn’t locked things down the way they should. There’s no panic yet, but this is the wake-up call.”
What’s Behind the Drop?
There are several key issues MLB analysts point to when explaining the Braves’ slide:
1. Injuries to Key Players
The Braves have struggled with depth early in the season due to injuries to several impact players. Max Fried, their star left-handed pitcher, has been on and off the mound dealing with minor shoulder discomfort. Ozzie Albies missed several games with a lingering hamstring issue, disrupting the infield’s defensive rhythm and lineup balance.
⚾ “They’ve lost stability. You can’t rotate four starters and expect to compete with elite-tier clubs every week,” said Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
2. Bullpen Inconsistency
What was once a strength has turned into a soft spot. The Braves’ bullpen has blown four late-inning leads in just the past two weeks, including a high-profile collapse against the Phillies that resulted in a 9-8 extra-innings loss — a game many cited as emblematic of Atlanta’s current state.
3. Offensive Slumps from Core Hitters
While Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to perform at an MVP level, others like Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, and Matt Olson have hit slumps at the worst time.
📊 Riley is hitting just .211 over his last 15 games, and Olson — though showing power — has struck out in over 30% of his plate appearances.
🧠 “The Braves need to reset mentally. This team has firepower, but baseball is all about timing and rhythm. Right now, they’re out of sync,” said David Ortiz during a segment on FOX Sports.
Fan Reaction
As expected, Braves fans have been vocal online, with reactions ranging from disappointment to cautious optimism.
💬 @ATLFaithful: “Power rankings don’t matter in October. Let them doubt. We’ll be there when it counts.”
💬 @ChopOn2025: “Something needs to change. Either the bullpen steps up or someone gets called up. You can’t blow leads like this in the NL East.”
Some fans also criticized national media for what they perceive as a double standard.
💬 @BravesDieHard: “Yankees lose five in a row and stay top 10. We drop out after one bad week? Ridiculous.”
The Silver Lining
Despite the negative headlines, not all is doom and gloom in Braves Country. The team remains only 2.5 games back in the NL East standings and has several winnable matchups coming up.
Next week, they’ll face a struggling Colorado Rockies team at home before heading on the road to battle the Miami Marlins, offering a golden opportunity to get back on track.
📆 Upcoming Series:
3 games vs. Rockies (Home)
3 games @ Marlins
2 games vs. Nationals (Home)
🎙️ “If they go 6-2 in that stretch, they’re right back in the top 10, no doubt,” said MLB analyst Harold Reynolds. “This is a blip, not a death sentence.”
Managerial Response
When asked about the rankings and recent struggles, Braves manager Brian Snitker remained calm and defiant:
🗣️ “We don’t play for rankings. We play for October. We know what we’re capable of. Right now, we’re finding our rhythm — and when we do, we’ll be a tough team to beat.”
Snitker also confirmed that bullpen changes are “on the table” and that top prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver may see more time on the mound in late-game situations as early as next week.
Can They Bounce Back?
MLB analysts remain mixed on how quickly the Braves can recover — though none are counting them out.
🔍 Sarah Langs, MLB.com:
“Atlanta has the highest team WAR in the National League despite the rankings. That tells you this is still an elite team — they just need a short-term fix.”
🧠 Mark DeRosa, MLB Network:
“They’re a sleeping giant. One good week and everyone will forget about this ranking dip.”
Final Word
Power rankings may be a snapshot of performance — not destiny. And while this week’s list paints a picture of temporary decline, few question the long-term strength of the Atlanta Braves.
Still, in a league where perception shapes pressure, falling out of the top 10 comes with a challenge: prove the doubters wrong.
💬 “You want back in? Earn it,” said FOX’s Tom Verducci. “That’s the beauty of baseball. You can always write the next chapter — one inning at a time.”
As the Braves prepare for a pivotal stretch of games, the next seven days could redefine the tone of their season. For now, all eyes are on Atlanta — not for where they stand today, but for where they might go next.
