Look Ahead to 2021 Season: Braves

Atlanta has a postseason curse. After their meltdown against the Dodgers, they look to redeem themselves.

2020 Record: 35-25

Their window didn't close. With good pitching and a monster lineup, the Braves are the favorite in the NL East, hoping to turn that into a World Series appearance. The division is always tough, but it'll be much improved from last year with everyone wanting a piece of the Braves. It's not a lock for Atlanta to be crowned division champs for the fourth consecutive year, and the Mets want that crown.

Tier: 2 (World Series Contender)

Assume Atlanta takes the division once more. They would likely be the 2 seed in the postseason, and would play a third or fourth place team from any of division. It's scary for any team in this new format because 2 bad games mean you're out. Given Atlanta's postseason woes, they'll bank on their aces to carry them into the NLDS. There they would meet a first or second place team since the seeding would have them play the winner of the 3 seed and 6 seed. If the Dodgers had first place overall, the Braves would play either the central division winner or whoever is 6th. At least they can't blow a 3-1 lead in a best of five.