If there is one thing we learned from the 2023 version of the Atlanta Braves, it's to never stop paying attention to the game when they were at the plate, as any member of the lineup could hit a home run at any moment.
In all, the Braves had a total of three players eclipse the 40+ HR mark a year ago, as well as two others hit at-least 30+. With all of those names returning this season as well, combined with the fact that the Braves have added a few new faces to the lineup, let's predict just whom the top five home run hitters for Atlanta will be in 2024.
Predicting the Atlanta Braves Top 5 2024 home run leaders
5. DH/OF Marcell Ozuna
Atlanta's primary DH option, Ozuna enjoyed a big bounce-back 2023 season a year ago in which he hit 40 HR to rank No. 3 for the Braves. One of the better single-seasons of his MLB career, Ozuna is likely to rank among the Braves' leaders once again in 2024, and should likely hit around the 30-mark, if not more.
4. 2B Ozzie Albies
Albies also had one of the better seasons of his MLB career a year ago, hitting 33 HR to rank No. 5 for the Braves. Also a career-high, I'll say that Albies sets yet another career-high in the category as well in 2024, hitting around 35.
3. 3B Austin Riley
Last season, Riley ranked No. 4 on the Braves with 37 HR, and I'll say that he eclipses that number this year to rank third on the team. Having hit in the 30's each of the past three seasons, Riley will certainly flirt with 40 once again this season, and don't be surprised if that number happens, if not falling just short.
2. OF Ronald Acuña Jr.
The 2023 NL MVP, Acuña was one of the best players in all of baseball a year ago, as the outfielder posted a 40/40 season on his way to one of the best single-seasons the Braves franchise has ever seen. Hitting 41 HR a year ago, which was the second time he has eclipsed the 40+ HR mark during his MLB career, Acuña will likely flirt with that number once again in 2024, and I'll say he hits around 45.
1. 1B Matt Olson
The lone Braves player to eclipse the 50+ HR mark a year ago, Olson finished first in the team-lead a year ago by a wide margin, and will likely do the same in 2024. Leading the MLB with 54 HR and 139 RBI, as well as the NL with a .604 SLG, Olson's 2023 season was easily the best of his MLB career so far, and the first baseman will likely flirt with, if not surpass, the 50 HR mark once again this year to lead the Braves in the long ball.