Atlanta Braves Nick Markakis the League Leader in Hits
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis is the League leader in hits this season. Watching Nick this season has been shocking. He is hitting the ball at the highest level of any point in his long career.
Nick Markakis leads the Atlanta Braves and the MLB with 63 hits so far this season. He has more hits than Mookie Betts or Manny Machado two of the best hitters in baseball so far this year. Markakis is hitting the ball with power as well not just as a contact hitter.
Nick has been great for the Braves so far this season. He is hitting .341 coming into today’s game and has looked great offensively.
For the Braves it has been a huge boost to have someone actually protecting Freddie Freeman. Freeman is benefitting from Ozzie Albies and Nick Markakis hitting closely in the lineup.
They are giving Freeman more chances and both Markakis and Freeman are feasting. For Nick leading the League in hits may not last but there isn’t any reason to think he cannot maintain his great start.
He is using both fields and using a contact first approach. He isn’t benefitting from poor defense and if anything has been robbed multiple times.
With that in mind, Nick should continue to have his chances and should continue to punish opposing pitchers.
The Braves will need Nick Markakis to continue producing at his current level if they hope to continue to lead the National League East. If not the team will struggle to protect Freddie Freeman and the offense will suffer.
Freddie Freeman may not be under as much pressure as in past seasons but he still needs protection to be productive. That begins with Nick who is delivering this season leading the League in hits. The Braves will play the Phillies tonight to decide who will lead the National League East.