Dodgers and Braves Set for Familiar NLDS Showdown
Los Angeles enters the series as the favorite against a Braves team that has had recent postseason success against them.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, a matchup between two familiar postseason rivals. The best-of-five series opens Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
The two franchises have a recent history of playoff meetings, including a Dodgers NLDS win in 2018, a Dodgers comeback in the 2020 NL Championship Series, and a Braves upset in the 2021 NLCS en route to their World Series title.
The Braves advanced to this series after a 2-1 wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers, who secured a first-round bye, have been preparing for their World Series title defense. Despite the Braves holding a 5-1 advantage in their regular-season matchups, including a sweep at Truist Park in August, the slate is now wiped clean. The 100-win, second-seeded Dodgers are expected to be the favorite.
At the Plate
The Dodgers led the majors in scoring, batting average, and OPS through the first half of the season but saw a decline in offensive production from July onward. However, their overall season statistics still outpaced the Braves in most offensive categories. The Dodgers also demonstrated superior plate discipline, boasting the league's third-highest walk rate and on-base percentage, compared to the Braves' third-lowest marks in each category.
Atlanta's offense is anchored by key stars such as first baseman Matt Olson, who led the team with 41 home runs and a .823 OPS. Catcher/designated hitter Drake Baldwin contributed 25 home runs with an .817 OPS, and Michael Harris II posted a .294 average with 26 long balls. Even Ronald Acuña Jr., despite an injury-plagued season, recorded a .796 OPS.
Despite these notable players, only four Braves regulars achieved at least league-average production according to OPS+. The Dodgers nearly doubled that figure with seven players, including Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernández. The late-season performance of Kyle Tucker further deepens the Dodgers' lineup.
In terms of power, both teams finished the regular season in the top 10 for home runs, with 204 each. However, the Dodgers' total was impacted by a slump in the second half, hitting only 86 home runs in their final 76 games. This decline was partly attributed to injuries affecting Ohtani and Freeman. The Braves entered the playoffs with a more consistent power presence, featuring five players with 20-homer seasons. Third baseman Austin Riley also demonstrated his power with a game-winning home run in Game 1 of the wild-card series.
Edge: Dodgers at the plate overall, Braves in power.
On the Mound
The Dodgers boast a formidable starting rotation headlined by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Last year's World Series champions relied heavily on their pitching staff, and the addition of Skubal has bolstered the rotation even with Ohtani sidelined from pitching due to injury.
The Braves' ace, Chris Sale, is a significant threat, but he will not be available until Game 2 of the NLDS. Beyond Sale, the Braves have relied on other arms, including Tyler Mahle, who delivered a strong performance in the wild-card round.
For the bullpen, the Dodgers experienced a season of highs and lows, including a franchise-record scoreless streak followed by a period of struggle. However, they finished the year strong, with Tanner Scott and Roki Sasaki emerging as closer options, supported by setup men Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, and Alex Vesia. Edwin Díaz has also re-emerged as a key leverage arm.
The Braves' bullpen was more consistent throughout the season, finishing with the fourth-best ERA in MLB. Closer Raisel Iglesias has been a critical component, with a strong save percentage. The unit has been further strengthened by the return of Robert Suarez from an elbow injury.
Edge: Dodgers in rotation, Even in bullpen.
In the Field
The Braves were recognized as a top-five defense in the league, with notable strengths in their outfield and infield positions. Players like Acuña in right field and Harris in center field provide significant defensive value.
The Dodgers' defense presented a more mixed picture. While Andy Pages has emerged as an elite center fielder, the team has liabilities in other outfield positions. The infield defense has also seen inconsistencies, with Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman forming a solid double-play combination, but Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy experiencing more variability.
Edge: Braves in defense.
Base-Running and Management
Neither team was particularly aggressive on the bases, with both ranking among the lower half of MLB teams in stolen bases. Acuña led the Braves with 21 steals, though down from his previous season's total. Ohtani led the Dodgers with 11 stolen bases, a decrease from his historical performance.
In terms of management, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts brings extensive postseason experience and success, aiming for his fourth World Series title. In contrast, Braves manager Walt Weiss is in his first postseason in the role, having been promoted from bench coach earlier in the year.
Edge: Even in base-running, Dodgers in management.
Intangibles
Both rosters feature significant postseason experience. The Dodgers have demonstrated consistent October success, while the Braves captured a World Series title in 2021. However, only three key players from that Braves championship team remain, and Freddie Freeman, a significant contributor to that title, now plays for the Dodgers. This provides the Dodgers with an edge in overall recent postseason success and continuity.
Edge: Dodgers in intangibles.