Atlanta Braves Midseason Awards

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 11: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at SunTrust Park on July 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 11: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at SunTrust Park on July 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JULY 23: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves returns the the dugout after in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JULY 23: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves returns the the dugout after in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

MVP: Freddie Freeman, 1B

At various times during the year, different Braves could arguably claim the title of MVP.

A hot April gave Albies a spark in the conversation. In May, Nick Markakis was hitting the ball all over the field and reverting back to his Baltimore days. June belonged to Charlie Culberson, who filled in for Ronald Acuna without missing a beat.

Yet Freddie Freeman’s consistency and leadership earn him team MVP for the first half. He’s picking up right where he left off in 2017. Despite constantly shifts by the defense, Freeman is on track to post career highs in hits, batting average, and RBI. He has played the same reliable defense that he’s produced since 2010.

With all the youth on the Braves’ roster, Freeman was the veteran face of the organization. Besides the rookies on the roster, the Braves have several young infielders and new faces that needed veteran guidance this season. As the Brave who has been with the team the longest, this first half saw Freeman step into the “Chipper” role: the clubhouse leader and media spokesman.

The Braves’ ability to bounce back from short losing streaks and maintain a positive attitude reflect team leadership. Which directly reflects on Freeman.

As important as Freeman’s stats have been for the Braves in the first half, his leadership may mean more.

Next: Braves Free Agent Targets

Honorable Mention: Nick Markakis, OF