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Top Atlanta Braves Storylines To Watch Before The Trade Deadline

By Savannah McCoy

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 19: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Kurt Suzuki #24 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a grand slam home run in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 19: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Kurt Suzuki #24 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a grand slam home run in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park on May 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park on May 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Atlanta Braves currently lead the the NL East Division, and have for a while. With just over a month until the MLB Trade Deadline, here are a few of the emerging storylines.

After years of consistently driving Atlanta’s offense, Freddie Freeman is on the verge of reaping his rewards.

Freeman’s name is mentioned in conversation with Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGromm as early leading candidates for MVP.

Several Braves have had their moments in the sun. Ozzie Albies looked sensational for the first month of the season. Sean Newcomb had an incredible May. Nick Markakis has played fantastic offensively while showing some defensive range all season.

Yet none quite compare to Freeman. He’s second in hits (95) and batting average (.328), fourth in RBI (51) while also accumulating 44 walks. He’s been an extra-base hit machine. Defensively he’s been good. He leads NL first basemen with 65 double plays.

Sabermetrics analysts like to throw out that he leads NL position players in WAR and OBP.

Freddie’s numbers aren’t historically great, but they’re great for the generation he plays in.. Batters, this season, however have been struggling. Freddie doesn’t swing for the fences often, but he does have a respectable 15 home runs. He’s on pace to launch over 30 and rack up over 100 RBI. That’s a great season.

He’s also not striking out as much as other hitters. His focus is putting the Braves in position to win by any means necessary. It’s been paying off.

While his production is, and should be, at the forefront of any MVP debate, his leadership should also be mentioned. Albies is in his first full season; Swanson is in his second. Third base is more more of a platoon positio, as is catcher. The only true consistent face on defense is Freeman. His stretches bail out bad throws. In tough defensive situations, he’s the one the youngsters look to for direction.

The way he carries himself off the field is a model for Swanson, Albies and Acuna. Freeman has never spoken a bad word about his team or opponents to the media. He’s friendly and polite. In every way, he’s the leader the Braves need.

Next: Ronald Acuna Jr. Is The Key To Consistent Braves Offense?

MVP votes aren’t cast until October. Braves fans will be debating Freeman’s merits over Scherzer and whomever else until then.

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