Freddie Freeman Must Deliver on High Expectations in 2018
By Kit Anderson
Freddie Freeman is the face of the Atlanta Braves. While that may seem simple enough with it comes pressure. Pressure that will be heavier than ever before. This season the lineup will look to Freeman to set the standard.
Veteran leaders are lacking in the Braves’ clubhouse. Nick Markakis is a true pro but one that leads by example and being there for the rookies that need it.
Julio Teheran is working to re-solidify himself as a top pitcher and the rest of the veterans on the roster are new. That leaves Freddie Freeman.
Freeman has dealt with having the protection of other veterans around him or the low expectations of a rebuilding roster. All of that is now gone and the pressure back squarely on Freeman’s shoulders.
He will be look to help lead the way both on the field and in the clubhouse. As the Braves youth continues to make it’s way to the Big League roster Freeman must lead the way with production as well as his leadership.
As the Braves learn how to win again the biggest factor in that will be Freddie Freeman. While that may seem to be an overstatement it isn’t.
If you study the Braves’ offense since Freeman has been the team’s clear best hitter the offense goes as he does. When Freeman is cold often so is the rest of the lineup.
That speaks to the player and influence that Freeman is. He is not only ready for the pressure but if he can stay healthy he will deliver on it with an MVP worthy performance. If not for an inopportune pitch Freeman would have put up a similar season last year.
Regardless, now the focus is squarely on 2018 and if the Braves can take that ever elusive step forward. All eyes will be on Freeman to lead the way as the Braves ever so slowly make their way back to contention.