4. Mike Foltynewicz, SP
Mike Foltynewicz has, most definitely, taken huge strides in 2017 and has become the Braves’ best starting pitcher. I’m not even sure we can call Folty’s teammate Julio Teheran an ace this season, as the veteran starter has struggled to keep the ball inside of SunTrust Park. If Atlanta somehow made the Wild Card game in October, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Folty take the mound with the season on the line.
There’s still a lot of baseball left to be played this year, but I think it’s safe to say that Folty is the Braves’ ace for the rest of this season and beyond.
According to MLB Stats, Foltynewicz has the team’s best earned run average, most wins and strikeouts. With a 3.94 ERA and 10 wins in 2017, he is going to demolish his 2016 numbers with Atlanta. For example, Folty is currently sitting on a 10-6 record in August, while he only finished 9-6 in 2016.
There are obviously still some things he needs to work through before becoming an elite pitcher in Major League Baseball, but he’s coming along very nicely.
Needless to say, the former 19th overall pick is starting to come into his own with the Atlanta Braves. At the same time, Atlanta fans must have patience with Folty, as he will continue to take lumps on the mound over the next few seasons. He’s not going to become an All-Star overnight, but he’s getting pretty darn close.