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Atlanta Braves’ Top 5 Performers of April

By Savannah McCoy

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Dansby Swanson #7, Ryan Flaherty #27 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning for a 8-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Dansby Swanson #7, Ryan Flaherty #27 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning for a 8-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 4: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Mike Foltynewicz #26 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at SunTrust Park on May 4, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 4: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Mike Foltynewicz #26 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at SunTrust Park on May 4, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. Freddie Freeman

Did anyone expect anything less of the Braves’ clubhouse leader?

With the rise of so many young studs from the minors, Freddie Freeman‘s leadership will face its most significant test. His first month proved successful on the field and in the clubhouse.

Freeman has made the most of what pitching staffs have given him. His 10 doubles, 15 RBIs, and 29 hits fell behind only Ozzie Albies to lead the team in April.

Most significant in his work at the plate: 14 walks. His patience is paying dividends down the lineup. Where batters hitting 3rd nowadays are looking for their chance to add to their home run totals, Freddie is looking to extend innings and get on base. His production hasn’t suffered due to his patience.

Meanwhile, Nick Markakis, Dansby Swanson, Ryan Flaherty, among other Braves players in the middle of the lineup, have made the most of the opportunities made available by Freeman’s focus on getting on base this month.

As important as his stats are, Freeman’s presence on the field and in the clubhouse has proven more valuable this month.

A rookie second baseman, second-year shortstop and a new third baseman bring a whole new infield dynamic to Atlanta. Freeman’s presence at first base provides the Braves with continuity, a mentor to help ease the transition for a new look defense. It helps that Freeman is one of the most reliable corner infielders in the game.

The value of his presence can be measured in a single pitch on April 18th against the Philadelphia Phillies. Freeman was hit by a pitch on his left wrist–the exact spot he was hit last season that shelved him for two months.

Freeman immediately took himself out of the game. A collective tremor rattled Braves nation. The team was off to its best start in years. Losing the team’s leader in the same fashion he was lost last year would devastate players and fans alike.

Freeman was back on the field the next day and has shown no signs of a hindrance since.

April for Freeman wasn’t about numbers. A strong April correlated with strong leadership on a club brimming with potential.

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