Key to Braves’ Offensive Revival Lies in Austin Riley’s Return
As the anticipation builds for the Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season, one name is emerging as the unexpected linchpin for the team’s offensive resurgence. While the spotlight often shines on former National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., it is the return of Austin Riley from injury that could hold the key to the Braves reclaiming their position as an offensive powerhouse.
Injuries Plague the Braves’ 2024 Season
The 2024 season was a tumultuous one for the Braves, marred by a string of injuries that affected nearly every key player on the roster. While the setback of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury was significant, it was the late-season injury to Austin Riley that truly derailed the team’s momentum.
Riley’s unexpected injury prompted the Braves to enlist Gio Urshela to fill the void, following his swift release by the Tigers on the very day Riley was sidelined. Although Urshela performed admirably under the circumstances, his impact paled in comparison to the offensive prowess that Riley brings to the lineup. The Braves’ aspirations for the 2025 season hinge significantly on Riley’s return to full health and form.
The Imperative of Austin Riley’s Return in 2025
Prior to his injury, Riley had established himself as an All-Star performer with two consecutive stellar seasons. Despite a relatively average showing in 2024, Riley’s return to top form in 2025 is crucial for the Braves’ offensive strategy.
Over the span of 2021 to 2023, Atlanta’s third baseman showcased his prowess with impressive stats, including a batting average of .286, 108 home runs, 297 RBIs, and an outstanding 135 OPS+ across 478 games. His remarkable durability, having missed only eight games during this period, underscores his reliability as a key player in the Braves’ lineup.
While Riley’s 2024 season fell short of his usual standards, with a .256 batting average, 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a .783 OPS in 110 games, there is optimism that the downtime due to injury allowed him to refine his skills and return even stronger for the upcoming season.
Riley’s Impact and Areas for Improvement
With a WAR of 18.4 from 2021 to 2024, Austin Riley ranks among the top third basemen in MLB, trailing closely behind elite players like Jose Ramirez and Manny Machado. Despite his impressive performance, Riley faces a challenge in his strikeout rate, standing at 24.7%, which ranks as the 11th highest among third basemen since 2021.
Austin Riley’s significance to the Braves extends beyond his on-field contributions; he serves as a pivotal figure in the clubhouse, embodying leadership qualities that uplift the team’s morale and performance. The hope is that Riley will rediscover his All-Star form in 2025, steering the Braves towards another NL East title and reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the team’s offensive lineup.
