*This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman's Braves Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.*\n\nATLANTA -- The Braves aren’t saying “World Series or bust” this year. But there’s no doubt they believe they are more than capable of winning it all for the second time in five seasons.\n\nReigning National League Cy Young Award winner
Here is a look at what to expect from the Braves, who will open the season in San Diego on Thursday at 4:10 p.m. ET.
**What needs to go right? Stay healthy** \nThe roster construction gave the 2024 Braves a chance to be one of the strongest clubs in franchise history. But six of 10 Opening Day participants missed at least two months because of an injury. It can’t happen two seasons in a row, right? Once Strider returns in April, the Braves will have one of the game’s best rotations. Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach proved more durable than expected last year. Can they do it again? Atlanta's offense was one of the strongest baseball has seen in 2023. Last year’s lineup was never really whole. But once Acuña joins
**What is the great unknown? Bullpen depth** \nRaisel Iglesias is one of the game’s best closers and Pierce Johnson has shown the ability to be a reliable setup man. But with Joe Jimenez set to miss most or all of this season and A.J. Minter now a Met, the Braves will need to replace two of their best relievers from the 2024 season. Can Dylan Lee and
**Most important thing learned in camp:
**Team MVP: Austin Riley** \nFive months of Acuña will put him in consideration, but this is the year that everything will come together for Riley. The third baseman will enjoy his first 40-homer season and win his first Gold Glove Award.
**Team Cy Young Award: Chris Sale** \nFive and a half months of Strider will put him in consideration, but as long as Sale stays healthy, he’ll make a strong bid for a second straight NL Cy Young Award. But even after missing the season’s first couple weeks, Strider will still lead the Majors in strikeouts.
**Bold prediction: