6 Braves Make MLB's Top 50 Postseason Players But There Are Some Glaring Omissions
Six Atlanta Braves made MLB.com's Top 50 Postseason Players list. We break down the Braves who made the cut and the ones who should have.
Ronald Acuna Jr. Ranked Second Behind Mookie Betts
How could only six Braves players make the list of the top 50? And if Acuna is the runaway MVP in the NL, how is he second on the list to Mookie Betts? That's right, Mookie Betts is the number-one ranked player on the list. The explanation actually makes sense.
Will Leitch wrote, "I’m putting him second because of something that isn’t his fault: Due to injury, he wasn’t part of the Braves' 2021 championship run in the postseason. If they make another one this year, there is no doubt it will be, in large part, because of him."
Fair enough, Will.
Also Read: 8 Reasons Acuna Will Win MVP Over Betts
Atlanta Braves in MLB.com's Top 50 Postseason Players
Here are all the Braves that made the list and how they are ranked.
5. Matt Olson
15. Spencer Strider
23. Austin Riley
33. Ozzie Albies
44. Sean Murphy
Michael Harris II was an honorable mention.
Matt Olson was ranked one spot below Freddie Freeman, which is acceptable. The article points out that Olson had a higher slugging percentage (.604) this season than Freeman has ever had in a full season. Granted, Freeman slugged .567 this year with an astounding .640 slugging percentage in the 2020 Covid-shortened season.
Spencer Strider is ranked as the third-best starting pitcher behind only Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw. Clayton Kershaw is ranked as the top overall starting pitcher in the article.
Check out the next page to see some glaring omissions from MLB.com's Top 50 Postseason Players list.
Glaring Omissions From Mlb.com's Top 50 Postseason Players
Max Fried is a glaring omission from this list. Kershaw wasn't healthy all year and he's the top starting pitcher. Fried has a 2.66 ERA since the beginning of 2020 and went 8-1 with a 2.55 ERA in 14 starts this season. Fried will probably be the Braves' number-one starter in the playoffs and is not even an honorable mention on this list. If the list is strictly about the best players in the postseason, then the lack of starts in the regular season doesn't mean much.
Five DHs made the list and not one of them is Marcell Ozuna. Anthony Santander is the number 48 player on the list. Ozuna had more rWAR in nine fewer games. He had 40 homers compared to Santander's 28. He had 100 RBI compared to Santander's 95. He had a higher average (.274/.257), higher OBP (.346/.325), higher SLG (.558/.472), WAY higher OPS (.905/.797), and OPS+ (138/121). Ozuna should be on the list.
If Pablo Lopez made the list, Charlie Morton should be on the list. I don't even care if he's missing the first round of the postseason. He's just a better player that will be playing in the postseason. Charlie Morton is one of the best pitchers in the league over the past few years. He's literally one of the best players in the postseason. Of course, he won't be in the postseason if the Braves don't make it past the NLDS.
Michael Harris II was listed as an honorable mention but that's not enough. The guy plays Gold Glove defense, hits for average, has power, and has speed. He's a great all-around player with no weakness. I think he may be penalizing him for either being young or missing some time this season. Either way, give me Michael Harris II over Jazz Chisholm.