February 5, 2015
After two straight seasons of 94+ victories, the 2014 Atlanta Braves regressed and turned in a disappointing 79-83 record. Due to some budget limitations, Atlanta had to make some tough player-related decisions during the offseason. With just one year remaining under their current contracts, Atlanta traded outfielders Jason Heyward and Justin Upton. Catcher Evan Gattis was also traded, while Atlanta did not re-sign free agents Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana, who were two of its most consistent starting pitchers. Atlanta’s budget limitations are directly tied to a limited television contract and additional funding needed to build its new stadium, which is slated to open before the 2017 season. Through its numerous trades, Atlanta received several above average prospects. Among those players is one somewhat proven young pitcher Shelby Miller. Fans hope Atlanta’s coaching staff can straighten out Miller, who won 15 games and struck out 169 hitters as a rookie in 2013. Miller regressed last season and won just ten games and struck out 127 hitters. Miller, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and closer Craig Kimbrel, are expected to lead this relatively young roster. Freeman, who signed a $135 million contract last season, must lead by example while Kimbrel, who has saved at least 42 games per season, must continue to save games at an elite pace.
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On TicketIQ, the average secondary market price for Braves Opening Day tickets is $192.56 while the get-in price is $22. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are the highest over the last five Opening Days at Turner Field.
| Year |
Opponent |
Avg Price |
Get-in Price |
| 2015 |
NYM |
$192.56 |
$22.00 |
| 2014 |
NYM |
$97.77 |
$29.00 |
| 2013 |
PHI |
$103.76 |
$22.00 |
| 2012 |
MIL |
$94.38 |
$33.00 |
| 2011 |
PHI |
$105.70 |
$30.00 |
| 2010 |
CHC |
$94.73 |
$11.00 |
The higher ticket prices is directly tied to Atlanta’s intense rivalry with the New York Mets. Given the roster turnover, expectations are not very high for the 2015 Atlanta Braves. Without the luxury of a talented outfield, manager Fredi Gonzalez will be under pressure to win games and keep Atlanta competitive. Gonzalez and Atlanta’s front office must hope that the prospects acquired in the trades for Heyward, Upton, and Gattis begin to contribute. Atlanta is clearly planning for the 2017 season, but until then, fans are expecting Atlanta to field a somewhat competitive team.
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