The Atlanta Braves enter their March 29, 2025, matchup against the San Diego Padres with their sights set on redemption and reestablishing their dominance in the National League after a 2024 season that ended prematurely in the Wild Card round—ironically at the hands of the very team they now face at Petco Park. The Braves remain one of the most complete rosters in baseball, built around a powerful offense, elite infield defense, and deep starting pitching. Their offseason was highlighted by the signing of former Padre Jurickson Profar, who inked a three-year, $42 million deal to bring his experience, on-base ability, and positional versatility to Atlanta. Profar is coming off the best year of his career, with a .275 average, 20 home runs, and excellent defense across multiple positions, and he now returns to Petco Park as an integral piece of a Braves lineup that is as potent as any in the league. Anchoring the offense are perennial MVP candidates Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, with Acuña coming off a 40-home run, 60-stolen base season and Olson continuing to supply elite power from the left side. Austin Riley at third base remains a key contributor both at the plate and in the field, while Ozzie Albies brings speed, switch-hitting capability, and clubhouse energy. Marcell Ozuna and Michael Harris II round out a lineup that can hurt opponents in multiple ways, whether through the long ball, gap-to-gap hitting, or aggressive base running. Behind the plate, Sean Murphy continues to be one of the top defensive catchers in baseball and calls a strong game, helping guide a pitching staff that remains among the most feared in the National League.

Although Max Fried is being brought along slowly following a spring setback, the Braves boast an enviable rotation that includes Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Reynaldo López, who gets the ball for this game after an outstanding 2024 campaign. López, a former reliever, was successfully stretched out into a starter last season and responded with a sub-3.50 ERA and elite strikeout-to-walk ratio. The bullpen remains stout with Raisel Iglesias returning as the closer, supported by A.J. Minter, Joe Jiménez, and Pierce Johnson in high-leverage situations. Defensively, the Braves shine with one of the best infields in baseball, and Harris provides elite coverage in center field. The club also benefits from having continuity in the managerial seat, with Brian Snitker continuing to lead a veteran-laden clubhouse with championship experience. Though they lost the season opener to San Diego after a late rally by the Padres, the Braves are confident that their depth, star power, and pitching stability will allow them to bounce back quickly in this four-game series. Atlanta’s recent track record of regular-season excellence and internal belief that last year’s playoff disappointment was an anomaly—not a trend—fuel their drive to reclaim their place among MLB’s elite. A strong performance against the Padres in San Diego would not only be a measure of early-season resolve but also a symbolic step toward avenging their 2024 postseason exit.