The Los Angeles Dodgers are widely recognized as the best team in MLB this season, but according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, their biggest competition isn’t the Yankees or the Phillies—it’s the Atlanta Braves. While the Braves may not receive the same level of attention as the Dodgers, their talent and depth make them serious contenders for the National League crown. Many believe the Dodgers are the favorites, but the Braves could emerge as a formidable challenger.
Why Are the Braves the Biggest Threat to the Dodgers?
The Braves have a strong roster, and their 2025 campaign is shaping up well, thanks to key player recoveries and additions. Ronald Acuña Jr. is making a return after his second ACL injury, Austin Riley has fully healed from a right-hand fracture, and Chris Sale has overcome the back spasms that kept him out last year. The team also added Jurickson Profar, an All-Star last season, to strengthen their outfield.
“This is a formidable team that I don’t believe we’ve talked about enough.”@Ken_Rosenthal explains why he thinks the Braves could be the biggest challengers to the Dodgers in the National League. pic.twitter.com/iVnLJD6XxG
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 20, 2025
According to FanGraphs, the Braves are projected to finish with a 93-69 record and have a 90% chance of making the postseason—second only to the Dodgers. This projection reflects their depth and consistency, making them a team to watch.
Rosenthal emphasized that the Braves deserve more attention, saying, “This is a formidable team that I don’t believe we’ve talked about enough.” While the Dodgers and Yankees usually dominate headlines, the Braves quietly remain a powerhouse, potentially flying under the radar as they aim for another championship.
Can the Dodgers’ Rotation Hold Off the Braves?
One of the Dodgers’ greatest strengths is their dominant six-man starting rotation. Featuring Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani (once he returns to pitching in May), the rotation is among the most feared in baseball.
Two of their top arms—Ohtani and Yamamoto—are projected to record 150+ strikeouts this season, while Glasnow is coming off an All-Star season, and Snell won the 2023 Cy Young Award. With this level of talent, no other team’s pitching staff quite measures up to the Dodgers’.
Additionally, the Dodgers benefit from MLB’s updated two-way player rule, which allows them to have an extra arm in their bullpen. Since Ohtani qualifies as a two-way player, he doesn’t count toward their 13-pitcher limit, giving the Dodgers a unique advantage over other teams, including the Braves.
Will the Braves Overcome the Dodgers?
The Braves are poised to challenge the Dodgers, but Los Angeles still holds the edge in overall depth, especially with their pitching rotation. However, baseball is unpredictable, and if the Braves can stay healthy and capitalize on their talent, they could push the Dodgers in the National League race.
While the Dodgers may still be the team to beat, the Braves are shaping up as their biggest obstacle. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between these two powerhouses throughout the season.