The 2019 Atlanta Braves season was the Braves' 54th season in Atlanta, 149th overall, and third season at SunTrust Park. The Braves clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive year on September 14.[1] They clinched their second consecutive National League East championship on September 20 but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the Division Series. On October 9, they became the first team to allow 10 runs in the first inning of an MLB playoff game, essentially clinching their tenth straight postseason series loss.
On April 2, 2019, Ronald Acuña Jr and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract worth $100 million. The extension included team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.[8] Aged 21, Acuña became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.[9] Acuña's deal was the largest for any player with less than one year of major league service.[10][11][12] By June 2019, Acuña had drawn attention for his power production.[13]
On April 11, 2019, Ozzie Albies signed a seven-year, $35 million extension to remain with the Braves. The deal includes options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Both years are worth $7 million with a $4 million buyout.[14]
On June 7, the Braves signed free agent Dallas Keuchel to a one-year deal worth $13 million.[18][19]
July 2019
On July 24, Shane Carle was designated for assignment and in a subsequent move the Braves added Jeremy Walker to the roster. The next day Carle was traded to the Texas Rangers for cash consideration.
On August 24, Ronald Acuna Jr. joined the 30/30 club (36 home runs and 30 stolen bases). Acuna was the first Brave to accomplish this feat since 1991. Acuna joins Hank Aaron (1963), Dale Murphy (1983) and Ron Gant (1990 and ’91) as the only Braves players to produce a 30-30 season. Acuna accomplished this feat through 130 team games, making him the fastest in franchise history to do so.[26]
September 2019
On September 5, the Braves activated relief pitcherDarren O'Day from the 60-day injured list and added him to the active roster along with Adam Duvall. O'Day was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the 2018 trade deadline[27] but did not pitch for the Braves during the 2018 season due to a hamstring injury. O'Day had been sidelined for most of the 2019 season after experiencing right forearm discomfort during a spring training outing.[28][29] To make room on the roster Alex Jackson was recalled from Gwinnett and placed on the 60-day injured list.[30]
On September 14, the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 10-1 clinching a playoff berth and decreasing their magic number to four. In a scary moment during the game Charlie Culberson had squared around to bunt when a pitch from Fernando Rodney struck him in the face. Culberson was unable to continue in the game and had to be taken to the hospital. He would not return for the remainder of the season.[31]
On September 19, Ronald Acuna hit his 40th home run against Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies. At 21 years-old Acuna is the youngest person ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 30 bases. Acuna has 37 stolen bases on the year needing only three more to reach the 40/40 club.[32] The Braves went on to win the game and decrease their magic number to win the National League East to one game.
On September 20, the Atlanta Braves clinched their 20th divisional title, capturing the NL East, and tying the MLB record for most divisional titles in the league, tied with the Yankees. The Yankees clinched their 20th divisional title on September 19, 2019. In capturing the division, Mike Foltynewicz pitched eight shutout innings in a 6-0 triumph over the San Francisco Giants, which eliminated them from the postseason.
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts
Formerly the Boston Red Stockings, Boston Red Caps, Boston Beaneaters, Boston Doves, Boston Rustlers, Boston Bees, Boston Braves and the Milwaukee Braves
