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Atlanta Braves Land 2021 All-Star Festivities

By Jonathan Magel

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves and the National League before the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves and the National League before the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves takes the field and prepares to bat during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 22, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves takes the field and prepares to bat during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 22, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

My Choice

Now it’s time for my pick, Austin Riley. There’s no question Riley has been on a tear this year hitting 15 home runs in 35 games for Gwinnett and hitting 5 home runs in his first 9 games.

I think he has the perfect size and swing for a consistent stream of home runs at the derby, as well as the power to produce long home runs.

Riley is still only 22 and will only gain more power as he gets older.  With the Homerun Derby being two years away this would provide him with ample time to better procure his swing and body to maximize home run potential.

Another element that could come into play is the purse of one million dollars. Now, we all know everyone would like an extra million dollars, but this purse could be even more intriguing to Austin Riley.

With his service time, Riley will still be in the contract renewal phase, meaning that his salary likely won’t be much above the league minimum.  Heck, the million dollar purse might be more than he makes all year.

Meanwhile, Freeman and Acuña are on multi-year extensions that (by 2021 in Acuna’s case) would pay them more and that purse may not be as enticing for them as it is for Austin Riley.

Next. "I See Stars". dark

Clearly, things can change in 2 years and the roster may look different, but I would love to hear who you guys would like to see in a future Home Run Derby at Suntrust Park.

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