Matt Olson
We arrive at the first non-outfielder listed in the form of first baseman Matt Olson. It's been a slow start in 2024 for Olson, but his bat is the most dangerous remaining in the Braves lineup. When he's right we saw what kind of season Olson can have with the bat, as he finished fourth in NL MVP voting last season.
Matty Doubles doubles the lead in Pittsburgh ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Y3Zwa7ZZED
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 26, 2024
As mentioned things haven't been as smooth to start 2024, but perhaps his second career homer into the Allegheny River will jumpstart his season. No one can match the power-speed combo of Acuna on the Braves roster, but the power Olson can provide can go a long way to ensuring the Braves still make 2024 a successful season
Ozzie Albies
Finally, we conclude with someone thought to be Ronald's best friend on the team. There's no ideal option to plug into the leadoff role for the Braves, but Ozzie Albies is certainly one of them. You could even see Snit choose to alter leadoff men based on the opposing pitcher. Ozzie makes for a good threat against LHP's as he currently is slashing .333/.333/.524 against them in 2024.
This season hasn't been poor by no means for Ozzie, but he is the longest tenured Brave at the moment so he's going to have to step up in the clubhouse and lead. Ozzie can be a spark plug on the field when he's hot, and the Braves offense is in desperate need of that at the moment.
No matter how we frame this, no one player can replace the reigning NL MVP. Ronald Acuna Jr. is a special talent, and it's going to take a village to replace that. Luckily the Braves have plenty of talent in house, so they just need a little more from a few players, rather than a lot more from a specific guy. Time will tell if they can achieve that, and provide a repeat performance of 2021.