Braves vs Red Sox Pick: Young Righty Hurlers Meet in Ft. Myers (Mar 9)

• The Atlanta Braves (7-5) visit the Boston Red Sox (7-6) in Ft. Myers
• Atlanta did not make many notable additions over the winter apart from Jurickson Profar but they expect to contend in the NL East
• Boston made bold moves acquiring Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Alex Bregman

Two teams expected to contend for the 2025 MLB postseason meet in Ft. Myers as the Braves visit the Red Sox. Atlanta’s starting pitcher Bryce Elder was an All-Star in 2023 but fell on hard times in 2024. Boston counters with young righty Richard Fitts. He was impressive in four starts for the Red Sox in 2024.

Braves Will Need the 2023 Verison of Elder

Elder was a revelation in 2023 and was an NL All-Star. However, in 2024, he pitched so poorly that he ended up back in the minors. He posted a 2-5 record with a 6.52 ERA. There is reason for optimism as he has been effective so far this spring with a 2.57 ERA in 7 innings. He has pitched in 3 games with 1 start. This will be his second start of the spring.

Atlanta’s Jurickson Profar jammed his left wrist and is set to have an MRI.

Much of the Braves roster has struggled at the plate this spring. Jarred Kelenic is fighting for playing time and is batting .235, albeit with 2 homers. Marcell Ozuna is batting .222; Matt Olson is at .211; Austin Riley is hitting .286; Ozzie Albies is hitting .200.

Their pitching has been impressive led by Ian Anderson (1.13 ERA), Chris Sale (0.00 in 6 innings), Spencer Schwellenbach, and Elder.

Boston’s Bats Are Scorching

The Red Sox have radically upgraded their roster with Crochet, Buehler, Bregman, and Aroldis Chapman. Their offense has been the story of the spring with non-roster invitee making his case not just to make the team but to get significant playing time with 5 homers and 11 RBI in 22 at-bats.

Bregman is batting .471 with 2 homers. Trevor Story is at .476 with 2 homers. Ceddanne Rafaela is hitting .333. Tristan Casas is scuffling, batting under .100. Crochet and Buehler have looked excellent on the mound.

Fitts was acquired in a rare Red Sox-Yankees trade that sent Alex Verdugo to New York.

He is vying for a spot on the Red Sox staff this season.

Braves vs Red Sox Pick: Atlanta’s Bats Will Get Going

The Braves have too many good hitters to continue slumping as they have. Fitts is still finding his way in the majors despite his effectiveness so far. Elder has been pitching well. The Braves should get their bats going and beat Boston.