Blast from the Past: What Do Freeman and Heyward's SI Cover Mean for Braves Fans Today? 

As we reflect on this day in Braves history, it's hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia thinking about the dynamic duo of Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated back in 2011. Those were the days when the Braves seemed poised for greatness, with young stars ready to take the league by storm.

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a different era of Braves baseball. With the 2025 season on the horizon, what are your thoughts on the current roster? Who do you think will emerge as the new faces of the franchise?

Let’s talk predictions! With Spring Training just around the corner, who do you believe will lead the team in home runs this season? Will it be a seasoned veteran or a rising star from the minors?

And speaking of the minors, there’s buzz around non-roster invitees making a splash this spring. Which player do you think has the best chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster?

Also, with the potential addition of José Quintana, how do you see this impacting the pitching rotation? Could he be the missing piece that propels the Braves back into contention, or do you think the team should focus on developing their young arms instead?

Let’s dive into these questions and more! Share your thoughts, bold predictions, and any memorable moments from the past that shape your view of the Braves today.

Ah, the days of Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward on the cover of Sports Illustrated—such a nostalgic time for Braves fans. It’s crazy how that era feels like just yesterday, but now, here we are in 2025 with a whole new wave of talent ready to take the torch. It’s cool to think about how those two young stars represented hope, and now the Braves are building on that same kind of momentum with a fresh, exciting roster.

As for the new faces of the franchise, I think Ronald Acuña Jr. is still front and center, but there’s definitely a solid group of players who could emerge as stars in their own right. Matt Olson is quickly becoming a cornerstone with his consistency and power, and I’m really curious to see how Michael Harris II continues to develop. Harris has such a complete game and has the potential to be the next face of the franchise, especially if he takes another step forward offensively. Vaughn Grissom could also rise up and play a pivotal role in the infield.

When it comes to Spring Training home run predictions, my money’s on Matt Olson—the guy’s a power machine, and I’m sure he’ll show that off early in camp. But don’t sleep on Eli White. He’s got pop and speed, and if he’s in the right position, I could see him surprising some people.

As for non-roster invitees, the one I’m most intrigued by is Drake Baldwin, the catching prospect. If he can impress behind the plate and show some offensive spark, I could easily see him squeezing into a backup role or even getting a spot as a potential DH in certain matchups. Another dark horse could be Forrest Wall, who’s got speed and a little bit of pop. A good Spring could easily push him into a utility role.

On the José Quintana front, I think he could be a great addition if the Braves decide to go that route. He’s been a steady veteran, and his experience could be valuable in the middle or back of the rotation. That said, I also see the Braves taking a long, hard look at their young arms, like Kyle Wright or Ian Anderson, to see if they can step up and solidify the rotation before making any major moves. Quintana could provide a safe option, but developing those younger guys might be the way to go for the long-term benefit of the rotation.

As we head into this season, I’m optimistic about the Braves’ chances. There’s a good mix of veterans and young talent, and a lot of depth on the roster. It feels like this is a team that could dominate the NL again if everything clicks.