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Home Run Derby: Ronald Acuna rumors and past Atlanta Braves performances

By Andrew Cicco

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 19: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the first inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at SunTrust Park on May 19, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 19: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run in the first inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at SunTrust Park on May 19, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /
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MLB rule changes home run derby Freddie Freeman
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2. Freddie Freeman, 2018

What’s with the Atlanta Braves and their first basemen named Fred? I don’t know, but it’s proved nothing but beneficial.  First McGriff lit up the Atlanta skies and now a red-headed kid from California has picked up that mantle.

One of the best first baseman in the game and one of the most beloved Braves players got his shot last season in Washington D.C. On the heels of an MVP-caliber season heading into last July, it just made sense that Freddie Freeman would get his shot at the title.

The unfortunate factor: he was matched up against the “hometown kid”, Bryce Harper.

The now Philly outfielder knocked out Freeman in the first round, going 13-12 on the big stage in his once-beloved city.

This actually ranks as not only the most homers by a Brave in any Home Run Derby round, it’s more than double that of any other Brave, rule changes notwithstanding.

Let’s shift gears and talk about how composed Freddie keeps himself. The elite first baseman handles every moment, including the first round loss, with nothing but class and maturity. He went right up to Bryce and gave him a vintage Freddie hug right after the round. The way he handles every single moment is what makes him the all around great player that he is.

Even the approach to the Derby was as laid back and casual as Freddie himself. Grant McAuley caught him before last year’s throw down.

Freddie dropped off a bit after the derby last year but is giving every baseball fan reason to believe he’s this year’s MVP. He’s slashing an impressive .310/.590/.986 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs before the break.

It should also be noted that he hit 23 homers all year last season. If he’s producing at this rate before the break, his stats come October should be nothing short of an MVP season.

Well, we saw the last Brave in the Derby. Now let’s take a look at the first. A young corner infielder-turned-outfielder still beloved by Braves fans young and old by the name of Dale.

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