The Atlanta Braves play the San Diego Padres in their first series of the 2025 season. Can the Braves win it all this year? And here’s a better question: Do you want to watch Braves games?
In this article, we’ll show you how to watch and stream the Braves game on your TV or device. Now the good news is that you can watch the Braves game for free.
How To Watch The Atlanta Braves For Free
You can watch the Braves game today or any other day, sign up for FuboTV and watch for free.
You can watch the Atlanta Braves game through several options:
- TV Broadcast: Braves games are often broadcast on Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast if you’re in the region. Check your local cable or satellite provider for access.
- Streaming Services:
- MLB.TV: Offers live out-of-market games, ideal if you’re not in the Braves’ broadcast region.
- FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, or YouTube TV: Some packages include Bally Sports South or offer access to national broadcasts on channels like ESPN, FOX, or TBS.
- National Broadcasts: Games may also air on ESPN, FOX, TBS, or Apple TV+ for exclusive matchups.
- Radio: Tune into 680 The Fan (WCNN-AM) or La Mejor 1600 AM for live radio coverage.
- In Person: If you’re near Truist Park in Atlanta, you can purchase tickets to watch the game live.
Who Do The Atlanta Braves Play on Opening Day?
he Atlanta Braves opened their 2025 MLB season on March 27 with an away game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Padres won the game 7-4, rallying in the seventh inning with key contributions from Jackson Merrill, who had four RBIs, and Gavin Sheets, who hit a 405-foot home run.
The Braves’ home opener is scheduled for April 4 against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park.
What Is the Braves Pitching Rotation Right Now?
As of March 28, 2025, the Atlanta Braves have announced their starting rotation for the opening portion of the season:
- Chris Sale: The left-hander, acquired during the offseason, is set to start on Opening Day against the San Diego Padres. Battery Power
- Reynaldo López: Following Sale, López will take the mound for the second game of the series. ESPN.com+2Battery Power+2Battery Power+2
- Spencer Schwellenbach: The right-hander, who had an impressive spring training with a 2.41 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 18.2 innings, is slated for the third game. Battery Power
- AJ Smith-Shawver: This young right-hander will start the series finale in San Diego. House That Hank Built+1Battery Power+1
- Grant Holmes: Holmes is scheduled to start the series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. Battery Power
Notably, Spencer Strider is beginning the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow UCL injury. MLB.com
This rotation reflects the Braves’ adjustments to injuries and offseason acquisitions as they commence the 2025 season.
How Will the Braves Do This Year?
Having proven themselves as a perennial power, the Braves are once again expected to challenge for the pennant.
As the 2025 MLB season begins, the Atlanta Braves are anticipated to be strong contenders in the National League East (NL East). Many experts predict a competitive race, with the Braves and New York Mets vying for the division title. The Mets, bolstered by the acquisition of Juan Soto, are expected to pose a significant challenge.
The Braves’ lineup is strengthened by the returns of key players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider from injuries. Acuña’s presence enhances the offense, while Strider’s return in April is expected to solidify a rotation that includes Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach.
However, the bullpen remains an area of uncertainty. With Joe Jiménez sidelined and A.J. Minter now with the Mets, the Braves will rely on Raisel Iglesias as the closer, supported by Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, and newcomers Héctor Neris and Craig Kimbrel. Their performance will be crucial in maintaining leads and securing victories.
Overall, while the Braves face challenges within a competitive division, their balanced roster and returning stars position them as formidable contenders for the NL East crown and a deep postseason run.
Here’s a breakdown of how some of the major parts of the team are expected to fare this year.
Pitching
The Atlanta Braves enter the 2025 season with a pitching staff that blends seasoned veterans and promising young talent. Here’s an overview of their current rotation and bullpen:
Starting Rotation:
- Chris Sale (LHP): The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is projected to lead the staff with 182 innings pitched, a 3.03 ERA, and 4.6 fWAR.
- Reynaldo López (RHP): After a stellar 2024 season with a 1.99 ERA, López is expected to continue his success, with projections indicating a 3.56 ERA and 3.1 fWAR over 173 innings.
- Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP): This young right-hander is anticipated to make significant contributions, with projections of a 3.71 ERA and 2.7 fWAR across 165 innings.
- AJ Smith-Shawver (RHP): At 22, Smith-Shawver has earned a spot in the rotation, showcasing improved command and a newly added cutter to his repertoire.
- Spencer Strider (RHP): The return of Strider, who is back from right elbow surgery, potentially bolsters the rotation significantly.
- Grant Holmes (RHP): After a decade in the minor leagues, the 29-year-old made his MLB debut in 2024 and secured a rotation spot for 2025.
Bullpen:
The bullpen features a mix of experience and new faces:
- Raisel Iglesias (RHP): Serving as the team’s closer, Iglesias is recognized as one of the game’s best.
- Pierce Johnson (RHP): A reliable setup man, Johnson is expected to play a crucial role in high-leverage situations.
- Aaron Bummer (LHP): Acquired in an offseason trade, Bummer is projected to provide quality innings out of the bullpen.
- Enyel De Los Santos (RHP): Signed to a minor league deal, De Los Santos is anticipated to contribute in middle relief roles.
- Daysbel Hernández (RHP): A homegrown talent, Hernández is expected to provide depth in the bullpen.
- Héctor Neris (RHP): An experienced reliever, Neris was added to bolster the bullpen’s depth and versatility.
- Craig Kimbrel (RHP): Returning to Atlanta, Kimbrel brings veteran leadership and a track record of success.
Outlook:
The Braves’ pitching staff is considered a strength, with a solid rotation that will be further enhanced upon Strider’s return. The bullpen, while featuring experienced arms, faces questions due to injuries and the departure of key contributors like A.J. Minter. The team’s success will largely depend on maintaining health and the continued development of their young pitchers.
Braves Infield Outlook
The Atlanta Braves enter the 2025 season with a familiar and potentially formidable infield, aiming to rebound from an injury-plagued 2024. Here’s an overview of their infield composition:
First Base: Matt Olson
Matt Olson remains a cornerstone at first base. Despite a dip in power last season, hitting 29 home runs compared to 54 in 2023, Olson’s second-half resurgence showcased his enduring offensive capabilities. Projections for 2025 anticipate a return to form, with Olson expected to contribute significantly to the lineup. MLB.com+2Battery Power+2New York Post+2
Second Base: Ozzie Albies
Ozzie Albies continues to anchor second base. Known for his switch-hitting prowess and defensive agility, Albies aims to provide both offensive spark and infield stability. A healthy season from him would be pivotal for the Braves’ success. Battery Power
Shortstop: Orlando Arcia
Orlando Arcia returns as the starting shortstop. After a career-best 17 home runs in 2023, Arcia faced challenges in 2024. The Braves are optimistic that he can regain his form and provide reliable defense up the middle.
Third Base: Austin Riley
Austin Riley holds down third base. After three consecutive 30+ home run seasons, Riley’s production dipped in 2024 due to injuries. Projections for 2025 are optimistic, forecasting a rebound with 29 home runs and a .842 OPS, highlighting his potential to be a key offensive contributor. Just Baseball+4New York Post+4Battery Power+4Battery PowerJust Baseball
Depth and Utility Options
The Braves have bolstered their infield depth with versatile players:
- Jurickson Profar: Signed to a three-year, $42 million contract in January 2025, Profar brings flexibility with his ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions. His bat-to-ball skills and switch-hitting ability add valuable depth to the roster.
- Nick Allen: Acquired during the offseason, Allen is a strong defensive shortstop who provides a reliable backup option. His presence offers the Braves flexibility in managing the infield throughout the season.
- Christian Cairo: Selected in the Rule 5 Draft from the Cleveland Guardians, Cairo reached Triple-A in 2024. Known for his defensive prowess, he will need to remain on the 26-man roster or be offered back to Cleveland.
The Braves’ infield outlook for 2025 hinges on the health and performance of their core players. A return to form by Olson, Albies, Arcia, and Riley, combined with strategic contributions from depth pieces like Profar and Allen, could position Atlanta’s infield among the most formidable in the National League.
Braves Outfield
Atlanta’s outfield is a mixed bag of strengths and potential weaknesses for 2024. Left field was a concern in 2023, with players like Eddie Rosario, Kevin Pillar, and Forest Wall rotating through, contributing about 1.4 fWAR. To bolster this position, the Braves traded for Jarred Kelenic, a former top prospect who struggled in his early career but showed promise in 2023 with 11 home runs and a .746 OPS. Despite a rough start in spring training, the Braves also brought back Adam Duvall to platoon in left. Duvall, a fan favorite, had a stellar 2021 season, including 38 home runs, 113 RBIs, and a Gold Glove.
In center field, 23-year-old Michael Harris II, the 2022 NL Rookie of the Year, had a slow start in 2023 but finished strong, posting a .878 OPS in the second half and ranking 7th in fWAR among center fielders despite missing 24 games due to injuries. He is projected to be one of the best in the sport in 2024, with expectations of hitting over 20 home runs and providing elite defense, potentially surpassing players like Mike Trout and Luis Robert Jr.
What is the Braves Starting Lineup?
- Catcher (2): Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud
- First baseman (1): Matt Olson
- Second baseman (1): Ozzie Albies
- Shortstop (1): Orlando Arcia
- Third baseman (1): Austin Riley
- Outfielders (4): Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Jarred Kelenic, Adam Duvall
- DH (1): Marcell Ozuna
- Bench/Utility (2): Luis Guillorme, Forrest Wall
Starting Pitchers (5): LHP Max Fried, RHP Spencer Strider, RHP Charlie Morton, LHP Chris Sale, RHP Reynaldo LópezRelief Pitchers (8): RHP Raisel Iglesias, LHP A.J. Minter, RHP Joe Jiménez, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Tyler Matzek, LHP Dylan Lee, LHP Aaron Bummer, RHP Jesse Chave
Final Word
The Braves have been surging through the 2023 campaign and deservingly so, the team has nothing short of title hopes. To no one’s surprise, a large part of the season hinges on the healthy arm of pitcher Ronald Acuña and the bullpen.
The Braves are just one of many Atlanta teams that you can support. The Falcons and Hawks could really appreciate your help.