Atlanta Braves Midseason Awards
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.
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