This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it often in your inbox.
ATLANTA — MLB Community’s rating of the High 10 gamers at every place offered yet one more reminder that the Braves have as a lot star energy as every other crew within the league.
Atlanta had seven gamers crack the checklist. The Dodgers led the best way with eight representatives. Utilizing rankings primarily based on previous efficiency, varied offensive and defensive metrics (together with each superior statistics and conventional numbers) and evaluation by the MLB Community analysis crew, “The Shredder” produced the rankings.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (No. 7)Acuña was ranked as the highest general participant, no matter place, earlier than he began final season gradual after which suffered a season-ending knee damage close to the top of Could. He tore his proper ACL in 2021 and his left ACL in 2024. So, we could by no means see one other 40/70 season. Heck, we most likely would have by no means seen one other one even when Acuña had stayed wholesome final 12 months. I simply don’t see one other present participant who’s able to matching the historic 40-homer, 73-steal season the Braves outfielder notched in 2023.
Acuña’s abilities are ridiculous. His pace, or at the very least his willingness to run as incessantly as he did up to now, can be restricted. However I might say by the top of 2026, he’ll as soon as once more rank among the many sport’s high 10 general gamers. His elite energy and nice arm power will proceed to set him aside. The Braves nonetheless aren’t setting a timetable for Acuña’s return. Early Could could also be the most effective state of affairs, however late Could is perhaps a extra probably estimation. His progress throughout Spring Coaching will give us a greater concept of when he’ll be again atop Atlanta’s lineup.
Michael Harris II (No. 4)Throughout the Jan. 9 publication, you learn why there needs to be a whole lot of pleasure surrounding Harris this 12 months. I may have strengthened his super potential by stating he has performed simply 4 full seasons above the highschool degree. Sure, accidents have hampered his manufacturing. However this newest rating is a reminder of how far he has come throughout his early improvement. To get a really feel for what Harris is perhaps able to over a whole season, here’s a have a look at his yearly manufacturing:
• 2022 (114 video games): .297 BA, 19 HR, 20 SB, .853 OPS• 162-game tempo: 27 HR, 28 SB
• 2023 (138 video games): .293 BA, 18 HR, 20 SB, .808 OPS• 162-game tempo: 21 HR, 23 SB
• 2024 (110 video games): .264 BA, 16 HR, 10 SB, .722 OPS• 162-game tempo: 23 HR, 14 SB
How exceptional would it not have been for Harris to tally three straight 20-20 seasons? Effectively, solely 5 gamers have totaled three 20-20 seasons at 23 or youthful: Julio Rodríguez (2022-24), Andruw Jones (1998-2000), Alex Rodriguez (1997-99), Cesar Cedeño (1972-74) and Vada Pinson (1959-62). Harris ranked fifth amongst heart fielders final 12 months. He sits behind J-Rod, Jackson Merrill and Byron Buxton this 12 months. If he stays wholesome, he may definitely sit on the high of this checklist subsequent 12 months.
Jurickson Profar (NR amongst High 10)Profar has resuscitated his profession whereas hitting 24 homers and developing a .839 OPS for the Padres final 12 months. His protection is common at finest. However as a result of he has arm, he’ll be extra like Eddie Rosario than Marcell Ozuna with the glove.
