What Is 2013 Atlanta Braves baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Atlanta Braves won the National League East with a 96-66 record, marking their first division title since 2010. They advanced to the NLDS but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 96-66 record, best in the National League
Won the NL East division, their first since 2010
Hit a franchise-record 168 home runs during the regular season
Chris Johnson led the team with a .321 batting average
Lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, 3-1

Overview

The 2013 Atlanta Braves season marked a strong return to form for the franchise, capturing the National League East title with a 96-66 record—the best win total in the National League that year. Managed by Fredi González, the team combined consistent pitching with a powerful offense that set franchise benchmarks.

Despite a slow start in April, the Braves surged in the second half, posting a 51-26 record after June 1. Their success was fueled by a deep bullpen and a balanced lineup that led the league in home runs, showcasing one of the most dynamic offenses in franchise history.

96-66 record: The Braves finished with the best record in the National League, securing the division title by a margin of 11 games over the second-place Washington Nationals.
Franchise home run record: Atlanta hit 168 home runs, surpassing the previous franchise high and ranking second in MLB behind only the Yankees.
Chris Johnson's breakout: Third baseman Chris Johnson posted a career-high .321 batting average with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs, earning consideration for the NL batting title.
Mike Minor's pitching leadership: Minor led the staff with 13 wins and a 3.21 ERA, anchoring a rotation that relied on consistency over overpowering stats.
Postseason appearance: The Braves reached the NLDS for the first time since 2010 but were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games, despite winning Game 1.

Performance & Roster

The 2013 Braves were defined by a resilient team culture and strategic depth, relying on both veteran leadership and emerging talent to sustain a six-month division race. Their ability to adapt after injuries and slumps was key to maintaining their lead throughout the summer.

Jason Heyward's resurgence: After a down year in 2012, Heyward rebounded with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs, while maintaining his elite defensive play in right field.
Freddie Freeman's consistency: Freeman hit .319 with 23 home runs and 109 RBIs, finishing sixth in NL MVP voting and serving as the team's offensive anchor.
Bullpen strength: Craig Kimbrel recorded 50 saves, becoming the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach 200 career saves by season’s end.
Trade deadline acquisition: The mid-season pickup of utility man Delmon Young provided late-inning offensive depth, contributing 10 RBIs in 37 games.
Injury challenges: Key players like Brian McCann and Andrelton Simmons missed significant time, but Atlanta’s depth allowed them to maintain performance levels.
Managerial strategy: Fredi González emphasized situational baseball, leading the team to first in the NL with 97 sacrifice bunts, reflecting a small-ball philosophy.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2013 Braves compared to other top NL teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	Home Runs	ERA	Stolen Bases
Atlanta Braves	96-66	168	3.74	116
St. Louis Cardinals	97-65	122	3.32	76
Los Angeles Dodgers	92-70	138	3.42	109
Cincinnati Reds	90-72	144	3.78	143
Washington Nationals	86-76	147	3.52	127

The Braves ranked near the top in home runs and wins, though their 3.74 ERA was slightly above average. Their aggressive base running and power hitting differentiated them from more pitching-focused teams like the Cardinals. Despite strong metrics, they fell short in the postseason, highlighting limitations in October performance.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season represented a transitional success for the Braves, bridging the end of one era and the beginning of another as the team prepared to move into SunTrust Park in 2017. It reaffirmed Atlanta’s ability to compete in a tough division through smart roster construction and player development.

Foundation for future success: The emergence of young players like Simmons and minor league depth signaled long-term competitiveness beyond the 2013 core.
Front office strategy: The Braves’ emphasis on player development and cost-effective contracts became a model for small-market teams.
Fan engagement: With a division title, attendance increased, averaging 30,731 per game, the highest since 2005.
Historical context: The 96 wins were the most by the Braves since their 2000 season, marking a return to elite status.
Postseason learning: The NLDS loss exposed weaknesses in late-inning execution, influencing future bullpen investment.
Legacy of the season: The 2013 team is remembered for resilience, power hitting, and setting the stage for the Braves’ 2018-2021 resurgence.

Ultimately, the 2013 Atlanta Braves season was a pivotal chapter in franchise history, combining immediate success with long-term implications for team building and fan expectations.