Some say change is good, others will disagree. When the Atlanta Braves take the field on April 7th for their home opener at Truist Park, there will be someone missing that has been with the club since 2009. All-star first baseman, Freddie Freeman will not be part of the team.
Freeman was much more than just a first baseman for this team. He was the leader who led the team to a World Series title in 2021, and was known just as much for what he did and the way he acted off the field. Freeman who has 1704 hits, 271 homers and 941 RBI’s in a Braves uniform signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the MLB strike.
Although Freeman’s leadership is going to be difficult to replace, the Braves seemed to have made out pretty well in replacing his production numbers. They added former A’s first baseman Matt Olson, who had his most productive season last year hitting .271, with 39 homers and 111 RBIs. Olson, played in 156 games last season, also had 88 walks.
The Braves who open this season with a four game series against the Cincinnati Reds have the difficult task of trying to repeat as world series champions. One thing that is in their favor is that incredible infield that not only can play defense, but that has a major impact at the plate. Besides Olson, they have Second Baseman Ozzie Albies (30 HR,106 RBI), Shortstop Dansby Swanson (27 HR, 88 RBI) and Third Baseman Austin Riley (33 HR, 107 RBI).
The Braves Outfield is also a force to be reckoned with. Adam Duvall, who was picked up last year near the trading deadline, belted a combined 38 homers and contributed 113 RBI in 2021 between playing for the Marlins and the Braves. Add to that a healthy Ronald Acuna, who hit 41 homers in 2019, and Eddie Rosario who had 16 homers.
If you think that part of the offense is dangerous, lets not forget DH Marcell Ozuna who sat out last year as he was dealing with a domestic violence situation. Ozuna should be good for at least 20 homers and add a healthy catcher in former all-star Travis d’Arnaud.
Great pitching wins ball games and the Braves are not lacking in that category either. Led by Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.34 ERA), Max Fried (14-7, 3.04 ERA and Ian Anderson (9-5, 3.58 ERA) the starting three has the ability to be dominant again this year. Add number four starter Huascar Ynoa, who is only 23 years old and Tucker Davidson or youngster Kyle Muller as the fifth starter and you have a full rotation.
One thing that is definitely a lot better this year is the bullpen. Led by closer Kenley Jensen, who had 38 saves for the LA dodgers last season, Will Smith (37 saves last season with Braves) and Collin McHugh (1.55 ERA with Rays last season) stopping the opposition late seems to be in good hands.
Although Freddie Freeman may be missed because of his production, character and leaderships roles, I have a feeling the Atlanta Braves won’t be missing a beat this year as they are the sure favorites to win the NL East and repeat as World Series champions.
Larry Frank is the host of Frankly Speaking Sports Tues-Thurs at 11am on TobaccoRoadSportsRadio.com
