The Atlanta Braves should lock Ozzie Albies into young core

Most of the hype from Atlanta Braves spring training this year ha,s centered around the young phenom, Ronald Acuna. However, many are overlooking the other young stud on Atlanta’s roster, Ozzie Albies.

The Atlanta Braves called Albies up in August and he put up two wins above replacement according to Fangraphs in just 244 plate appearances. By most dollar per WAR estimates Albies was worth around $15 million in less than half a season last year. He hit 12% better than league average, was an excellent base-runner, and played plus defense at second base. Oh and he was only 20-years-old and the youngest player in the league.

Historical Context

The List of players since integration who performed better offensively than Albies in their age 20 season is not long, and it is filled with Hall of Famers such as Mickey Mantle, Frank Robinson, and Ken Griffey Jr., as well as current superstars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Carlos Correa. Albies had an even better 20-year-old offensive season than the likes of Justin Upton, Miguel Cabrera, and Hank Aaron.

Looking at his overall body of work, Albies just completed the 33rd best age 20 season since integration, while only having roughly half the plate appearances of everyone in front of him. This is impressive stuff from a guy listed at a generous 5’9″ and 160 lbs. Albies is the kind of player that develops into a superstar. A team like the Atlanta Braves needs to lock up these special players early before their earning power escalates.