Award Watch 2017: Do any Atlanta Braves have a shot at major awards?

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Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) hits a sacrifice fly scoring third baseman Adonis Garcia (not pictured) as San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) is shown on the play in the eighth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Silver Slugger: Freddie Freeman, Matt Kemp

Freeman has become an absolute offensive force. He slaughtered big league pitching, especially in the second half. He’s a strong bet for 30+ home runs with a real chance at topping 40. He has the plate discipline to run a .400 OBP. He also now has a stronger lineup around him.

Point being, Freeman can hit.

He will have lots of competition in the NL. Paul Goldschmidt, Joey Votto, and reigning Silver Slugger Anthony Rizzo could all certainly win it. Wil Myers has come into his own out in San Diego. There are lots of legitimate options out there.

Still, if Freeman delivers anything close to last season, he’ll be in the conversation.

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Another darkhorse candidate could be Kemp. During his Dodger days he took home a pair of Silver Sluggers, though the most recent was back in 2011. In the years since, he hasn’t come close to repeating those performances.

However, last season he did see a nice power resurgence hitting more home runs than any other NL OF (not counting Kris Bryant who spent most of his time at third). He will also probably have Inciarte, Swanson, and Freeman hitting ahead of him this year.

Early reports from Spring Training are that Kemp has slimmed down quite a bit. This is encouraging as weight gain had previously been cited as a potential reason for his regression.

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Surely, there are other players who could emerge as surprise award contenders. If Kemp regains some defensive ability and continues to hit maybe he’s the comeback player of the year?

Maybe a reliever gets hot and goes perfect in 55 save opportunities to garner some Cy Young votes.

Maybe one of Atlanta’s young pitchers puts together a ROY-worthy campaign.

Maybe Micah Johnson hits .410 with 60 home runs and wins the MVP. We just don’t know until the games are played.

Next: Resilient Rodriguez

Regardless, be on the lookout for the guys listed above come award season.