Atlanta Braves need to protect Freeman… here’s how
Freeman needs assistance, how long will he have to wait?
It is no secret at this point; if Atlanta Braves’ first baseman Freddie Freeman stays healthy, he is an All-Star caliber player. However, can he be an MVP favorite?
The is answer is no; at least for the time being.
He needs help, and it potentially could be on its way. His name, Ronald Acuna.
At just 20-years-old, the No.1 prospect according to Baseball America escalated through three levels of the organization’s system in route to winning Minor League Player of the Year. The outfielder combined for a .325 BA, hitting .344 in 54 games at Triple-A Gwinnett.
His 5-tool skill set will be on display soon in Spring Training with hopes of making the Opening Day roster. Because of the possibility of an extra year of contractual control gained by starting the youngster in Triple-A, it may seem reasonable to keep him in the Minor Leagues for the first couple of weeks of the 2018 season.
Let’s Not Wait
Freeman needs Acuna now, however.
With the lack of power and intimidation in the middle of the lineup other than the 28-year-old two-time All-Star, Atlanta needs support all around Freeman in the lineup, specifically behind him.
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Potential candidates for filling the 4-hole behind Freeman are veterans Nick Markakis and Tyler Flowers, who both are entering the final seasons on their contracts. The two combined for only 20 home runs in 2017, and there isn’t much of a fear-factor when these two step up to the plate. The expectation will be to pitch-around Freeman and make one of these two beat you.
That’s where Acuna fits in. Despite his rawness and age, he at least could bring a threat to the cleanup spot, forcing teams to pitch to Freeman on a more regular basis. The promotion to the middle of the lineup wouldn’t be immediate, but it hopefully will come to the surface before the season ends.
With All-Star centerfielder Ender Inciarte slated for the leadoff spot and rookie Ozzie Albies projected to hit No. 2 in front of Freeman, their OBP and speed will provide crucial in regards to the statistical success of the slugging first baseman.
Next: Travel roster for Braves' first three ST games revealed.
Freeman is the franchise player, he’s in his prime, and it’s time for surrounding players to show growth. If the team anticipates competing for a playoff spot in 2019 as expected, it’s time for these prospects to start the transition to becoming pros.