Atlanta Braves: Top Five Players

Jul 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) reacts after the final out in the seventh inning of their game against the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) reacts after the final out in the seventh inning of their game against the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves are in the middle of a rebuild. It hasn’t been fun, but the front office has deemed it necessary and who could argue with the amount of talent now in their minor league system? While the rebuild has been great it has made it less clear who the top players are on the Braves current roster.

If you went by future talent their would be a lot of options Dansby Swanson, Mallex Smith, young utility man Jace Peterson, or one of the many young arms the Braves system has. This list however considers past career numbers and the current years stats more-so than it does future production as that is often very difficult to predict.

Before we begin there is one player who didn’t quite make the cut who is worth mentioning.

Nick Markakis-Markakis has aged over his last couple of seasons with the Braves. He is noticeably slower and his bat has lost most of the power that it once had. Despite these facts Markakis is still a very good hitter. He is a guy that is capable of going on streaks where he doesn’t miss a pitch. He isn’t going to hit many balls over the fence, but he is a solid hitter with an above average defensive ability in the outfield. He is closing in on 2,000 hits and at his current pace should reach that milestone next season. The biggest question is if he will do it with the Braves or will he be traded elsewhere?

Now on to the top five Braves players.

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