“Never count them out.” These words from former MLB pitcher Trevor May are a sentiment with which baseball fans are all too familiar. The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season began in a deep slump, losing their first seven games. Their bats were silent, scoring an average of just two runs per game in that cold stretch. But as June unfolds, a different story is being written. The team is now on a hot streak, and it’s reminding everyone that a slow start doesn’t dictate their season. This latest upswing is no mere fluke; it’s a trend, a “déjà vu all over again” moment for their opponents.

This surge was recently on display when they swept the New York Mets at home. The Braves dominated the series, sweeping the Mets 5-4, 5-0, and 7-1. This dominant performance significantly cut their deficit in the NL East standings. Only a week ago, they were a distant 14 games behind the co-leading Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Now, they are only 10 games back. The Phillies, meanwhile, remain tied for the division lead with the Mets, but the footsteps behind them are getting louder.

On a recent “Baseball Today” podcast, host Trevor Plouffe asked a pointed question. “Do you think there is a chance this team could actually make the playoffs this year?” Trevor May’s response was swift and sure. “Short answer is yes,” he stated, adding, “And I have some personal experience with watching them do this.” May warned that the Braves are notoriously slow starters. With key players finding their form, he sees a familiar storm brewing on the horizon for the Mets and Phillies.

May then shared a chilling memory from his time with the Mets in 2022. “I was on the Mets team that watched the Braves go… 71 and 28 in their last 99 games and caught us,” he recalled. That year, the Braves erased a significant mid-season deficit to tie for the NL East title. May’s firsthand account serves as a powerful reminder of Atlanta’s capability. “No one could stop them… they just do that every year. They’re just that good,” he emphasized. The past provides a clear and ominous roadmap for what could happen in 2025.

So, what makes this team so resilient? According to May, it’s a potent combination of talent and tenacity. “They have everything you need,” he explained. He pointed to their “middle of the order lineup, the MVP out in the outfield and reigning Cy Young #1 pitcher.” This praise is backed by hard numbers. Ronald Acuña Jr. is batting an incredible .376 since his return. Matt Olson has been a steady force with 15 homers and 48 RBIs. On the mound, Chris Sale has been nothing short of brilliant, boasting a 2.52 ERA

Atlanta Braves: A tale of two halves (and a bullpen)

The recent offensive surge has been a sight to behold. After a sluggish start, the Braves’ bats have come alive. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return from injury and Matt Olson’s consistent power are just the tip of the iceberg, while Austin Riley has contributed 11 homers and 37 RBIs. Even rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has been a revelation, hitting .287 with an .803 OPS.

As the offense continues to heat up, pitching and defense have been Atlanta’s bedrock all season. The starting rotation, led by the masterful Chris Sale, has been a model of consistency. Spencer Schwellenbach has broken out as a reliable number two with a 3.26 ERA. Furthermore, Spencer Strider is showing signs of his old self, recording high strikeout numbers in his recent starts. They are supported by a defense that leads all of MLB with a total of 55 Defensive Runs Saved.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Atlanta, though. The bullpen is still a significant question mark. Closer Raisel Iglesias has struggled mightily, posting a 5.93 ERA. The team has been a revolving door for relievers like José Ruiz and Craig Kimbrel, illustrating a desperate search for reliable arms. The recent injury to reliable Daysbel Hernández has only added to the mess. If the Braves hope to make a serious playoff push, they must find a way to stabilize their late-inning relief.

The Braves’ front office has been busy moving pieces around to find the right ones. Ronald Acuña Jr. has obviously been the biggest return. The addition of Alex Verdugo has added a reliable veteran. But the secret of their long-term success could be in their youth. The call-up of pitcher Didier Fuentes and the rise of Drake Baldwin signal a youth movement. The combination of star experience mixed with emerging youth could be the recipe for another magical run. The question remains: can they pull it off again?