Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs: A Statistical Showdown

The rivalry between the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs is one of the most storied in Major League Baseball history. The two teams have met in the postseason seven times, with the Cubs holding a slight 4-3 edge. In recent years, the Braves have had the upper hand, winning the last two meetings in 2016 and 2018.

The 2023 season is shaping up to be another tight race between these two NL East rivals. The Braves are coming off a 101-win season and a World Series title, while the Cubs are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign.

Player Stats

One of the most important factors in determining the outcome of a baseball game is the performance of the players. The following table shows the key statistical categories for the Braves and Cubs players in 2023:

As you can see, the Braves and Cubs have several players who are capable of putting up big numbers. Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Matt Olson form one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball, while Ian Happ and Patrick Wisdom are key cogs in the Cubs' lineup.

Pitching

Pitching is just as important as hitting, and both the Braves and Cubs have strong staffs. The Braves have one of the best one-two punches in baseball in Max Fried and Spencer Strider. Fried is a former Cy Young Award winner, while Strider is one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. The Cubs have a solid rotation led by Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson.

| Pitcher | Team | ERA | WHIP | K/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Fried | Braves | 3.05 | 1.10 | 11.3 |
| Spencer Strider | Braves | 2.65 | 0.98 | 13.4 |
| Charlie Morton | Braves | 3.45 | 1.20 | 9.5 |
| Ian Anderson | Braves | 4.00 | 1.30 | 10.0 |
| Justin Steele | Cubs | 3.50 | 1.25 | 10.5 |
| Keegan Thompson | Cubs | 3.65 | 1.30 | 11.0 |
| Drew Smyly | Cubs | 4.00 | 1.40 | 9.0 |
| Kyle Hendricks | Cubs | 4.25 | 1.35 | 10.0 |

The Braves have a slight edge in the pitching matchup, but the Cubs have a few pitchers who can match up with Atlanta's best.

Outlook

The Braves and Cubs are both legitimate contenders in the NL East. The Braves are the defending champions and have a slightly more talented roster, but the Cubs have a lot of young talent and are hungry to prove themselves.

The season series between the two teams could be pivotal in determining the division race. The Braves won three of four meetings in 2023, and another strong performance against the Cubs would give them a significant advantage.

Conclusion

The Braves and Cubs are two of the most storied franchises in baseball history. The 2023 season is set to be another exciting chapter in the rivalry between these two NL East rivals.