Atlanta Braves Land 2021 All-Star Festivities

The options

Let’s start with the obvious first candidate, Freddie Freeman. He has been the face of the Braves following the end of the Chipper Jones era.

However, I don’t think he is the right man for the job. While he boasts the size and position of a prototypical home run hitter, his swing does not.

Just last year he participated in the Home Run Derby in Washington D.C. and was tied for the fewest home runs leading to a first-round exit.

The fact that he did it last year could have satisfied his desire to be in the Home Run Derby and he might not even think about doing it.

Anyone who watches Freddie play understands that home runs aren’t his game. He is a great hitter first and because of that home runs follow. Even he acknowledges this whenever he’s asked about his work in the cage:

"“I’m trying to hit a liner to the shortstop,” admitted Freeman about his batting-practice routine. He agreed that, if he did exactly what he was practicing, he’d produce an out every time."

Option 2:

That leads us to option number two, the future face of the Braves. Ronald Acuña is an electric player and draws you to the TV anytime he’s on the field. He would certainly bring a crowd to the stadium and could easily put on a show for the hometown fans.

However, I don’t think he’s the man for the job either. With his build and swing, I think he would struggle with consistently hitting the ball out of the park and would tire out quickly even if he were to get into a consistent launch mode.

While I don’t doubt he could produce some tape measure shots that would draw Ooohs and Ahhhhs from the crowd, I think he would struggle with winning the Home Run Derby.