Home Runs Are Flying in Atlanta-But Not All for the Right Reasons

Home Runs Are Flying in Atlanta – But Not All for the Right Reasons

In Atlanta, the sound of the bat cracking and the ball flying into the stands has become a familiar and welcome noise for Braves fans. Over the past few seasons, Truist Park has turned into a haven for power hitters and a nightmare for visiting pitchers. With a lineup stacked with sluggers like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, it’s no surprise the Braves have built a reputation for hitting bombs with regularity. But in 2025, that home run magic is coming with a shadow: the long balls are still flying, but not all of them are being launched by Braves players — and not all of them are being celebrated.

There’s a growing concern in Atlanta: has the Braves’ greatest strength become a potential vulnerability? The home run surge, while still statistically impressive, is now raising red flags. The Braves remain among the league leaders in home runs, but they’ve also become one of the top teams in home runs allowed. For a franchise with championship aspirations, this trend isn’t just frustrating — it’s alarming.

The Offense Still Delivers Fireworks

Let’s be clear: Atlanta’s offense remains one of the most intimidating in baseball. The team has consistently ranked near the top in slugging percentage and OPS over the past three seasons. Olson, in particular, continues to be a force, blasting towering home runs to all fields. Acuña, despite some injury concerns, still poses a threat every time he steps up to the plate. Meanwhile, the supporting cast — players like Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, and Marcell Ozuna — provide plenty of pop and protection in the order.

So far this season, Atlanta has launched over 60 home runs in just over 30 games — a pace that would project to more than 300 homers over the full campaign. That kind of output is historic. And yet, it’s not translating to dominance in the win column the way it should. Why?

Because just as often as Braves hitters are rounding the bases, so are their opponents.

Pitching Problems Plague the Staff

The biggest culprit in this confusing paradox lies on the mound. The Braves’ pitching staff, which once was considered one of the most balanced in baseball, has been alarmingly inconsistent in 2025. Max Fried has looked solid but hasn’t been able to avoid the long ball in key moments. Spencer Strider, known for his electric fastball and strikeout prowess, has been more hittable this year — and when he gets hit, the ball often leaves the yard.

The bullpen has also seen its share of troubles. Late-inning collapses, especially in one-run games, have become more common. What used to be a strength — shutting down opponents in the 7th, 8th, and 9th — is now a high-wire act. Veteran relievers like A.J. Minter and Raisel Iglesias have surrendered costly home runs that have flipped games on their heads.

As of mid-April, the Braves have allowed nearly as many home runs as they’ve hit. This creates an unusual dynamic: the team’s powerful offense builds leads, only for the pitching staff to give them back just as quickly. It’s led to a string of frustrating losses where fans leave the park stunned — not because their team didn’t hit well, but because the opposing team hit just a little better when it counted most.

Are Ballpark Dimensions to Blame?

One theory being tossed around is that the Braves are falling victim to their own ballpark. Truist Park, known for being hitter-friendly, has become a launching pad for both teams. While it’s an asset for sluggers like Olson and Acuña, it’s become a liability for the pitching staff. The cozy dimensions and summer air in Atlanta create a perfect storm for high-scoring affairs.

Opponents are clearly aware of this. Teams are approaching games in Atlanta with more aggression at the plate, swinging early and looking for pitches to drive. The results are evident: more two-homer and even three-homer games from visiting teams, and a rise in slugging percentage against Braves pitchers when they play at home.

Adjustments to the park dimensions aren’t likely — after all, it benefits the Braves lineup just as much as it hurts the staff. But the coaching staff must now grapple with how to adapt. Do they change their pitching approach? Work the corners more? Or do they consider bringing in different arms at the trade deadline who can keep the ball on the ground?

Defensive Miscues and Strategy Concerns

It’s not just the pitchers who deserve scrutiny. The Braves’ defense has also shown cracks this season. Costly errors, poor communication in the outfield, and a lack of urgency on routine plays have all contributed to opponents getting extra chances — and capitalizing with home runs. It’s a chain reaction: a missed double play leads to a walk, which leads to a three-run blast.

Manager Brian Snitker has remained calm in the face of these issues, but fans are starting to wonder if changes are needed. Has the team gotten too comfortable relying on its offense? Are they trying to win every game 9-7 instead of tightening up the fundamentals?

Some believe the Braves’ aggressive offensive philosophy might be bleeding into the pitching side. A “home run or bust” mentality can be thrilling — but when your opponents embrace that same mentality and start succeeding at it, it can unravel quickly.

The Bigger Picture

Despite these concerns, the Braves are still very much in contention. They’re hovering near the top of the NL East standings and have the talent to make a deep playoff run. But in a league that’s increasingly driven by pitching depth and late-game execution, Atlanta can’t afford to ignore the red flags.

The 2025 postseason will likely come down to which teams can limit damage and avoid giving up big innings. Right now, Atlanta’s blueprint of out-slugging the competition doesn’t look as foolproof as it once did. If they can’t get their home run problem under control — at least the ones flying off opposing bats — they could find themselves heading home early again in October.

Final Thoughts

It’s a strange season in Atlanta. Home runs are still thrilling the crowds and keeping highlight reels buzzing. But there’s a nagging truth creeping into the conversation: every home run hit by the Braves might be answered with one hit against them. And unless something changes on the mound — whether through improved performance, better strategy, or midseason reinforcements — those fireworks might come with a side of frustration.

The Braves have the offense to win it all. Now the question is, do they have the pitching to stop anyone else from doing the same?