Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuna leads biggest surprises so far this season

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ATLANTA, GA – June 01: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves slides into second during the game against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on June 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia.The Braves won 4-0. (Photo by Cameron Hart/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /

The Atlanta Braves currently sit in a playoff spot two months into the season — something very few thought was possible in Spring Training.

Two full months into the season, the Atlanta Braves find themselves firmly positioned in a playoff spot. In fact, an argument can be made that the Braves can continue winning and establish themselves as one of the premiere teams in the National League — playing in a loaded NL East division.

However, as a surprise team, there have certainly been big surprises that have thrust the Braves into this position. Here are the Braves’ biggest surprises so far this 2018 season.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 08: Kurt Suzuki #24 doubles in Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves as he beats the throw from Joc Pederson #31 to Yasmani Grandal #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as he scores a run on a double by Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning of the game at Dodger Stadium on June 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves biggest surprises: Nick Markakis

Nick Markakis has been arguably the Braves’ biggest surprise so far. Markakis has provided steady offense over the course of his Braves career. However, no one expected that he would produce at a .328/.496/.886 clip through his first 64 games. Markakis’ value has been further enhanced by his ability to avoid strikeouts.

Additionally, Markakis has shown a resurgence in his power, slugging eight homers so far this season. This matches his total for all of last season. He also provides a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse for the younger guys. If he can sustain any level close to his current offensive production, the Braves will gladly take it.

Did you know that Markakis has over 2,000 career MLB hits and boasts a .289 lifetime batting average — yet has never made an MLB All-Star team? It appears the veteran will likely change that this season, an honor well deserved and long overdue.

ATLANTA, GA – June 01: Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on June 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won 4-0 thanks to his two-hit, complete game shutout. (Photo by Carl Fonticella/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves biggest surprises: Young Pitchers

The young pitchers of the Atlanta Braves have been a bright spot in their rotation thus far. Sean Newcomb has made tremendous strides following his rookie season. Mike Foltynewicz has vastly improved on the mound as well. Mike Soroka, who has yet to experience more than three starts in the big leagues, has tons of potential.

The Braves certainly have a lot to look forward to in their starting rotation. Should they add a veteran arm before the MLB trade deadline? It couldn’t hurt, but these youngsters are doing just fine on their own — for now.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 4: Julio Teheran #49 of the Atlanta Braves stands on the mound after giving up a solo home run to Raffy Lopez #0 of the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on June 4, 2018, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves biggest surprises: Julio Teheran

Another one of the Braves’ biggest surprises is Julio Teheran. Although he was the No.1 starter for the club at the beginning of the season, Teheran’s struggles from last season have continued. He has gone 4-4 with a 4.31 ERA so far this season.

These are solid numbers, but for the No.1 starter on the staff, these numbers are seriously lacking. Maybe the Braves could use a veteran arm to lead this young rotation after all.

Cole Hamels could make a fine addition if the Texas Rangers are willing to give him up at a decent price. Or even J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays, who would be a more viable and cheaper option.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Ozzie Albies #1 (R) and Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves pose for a photograph before a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 1, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Braves defeated the Mets 3-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves biggest surprises: Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr.

Two of the biggest surprises for the Atlanta Braves so far have been Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. These two have great chemistry. They act as if they are brothers.

Albies got off to an explosive start to the season. Despite slowing down recently, Albies still has 15 HRs on the season. Albies’ early-season power has shocked almost everyone, considering he only hit 16 HRs across his four years in the minor leagues.

Prior to getting injured, Acuna showed glimpses of his superstar potential. Thank goodness his injury wasn’t as bad as it looked on video, and he was able to walk off the field under his own power. The timetable for his return in 2018 is unknown, but initial results show there is no long-term damage to Acuna’s knee and back — insert deep sigh of relief.

Between Acuna and Albies, the Braves have a young duo that fans can enjoy for years.

ATLANTA, GA – May 31: Ender Inciarte #11 of the Atlanta Braves runs home to score against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on May 31, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won 4-2. (Photo by Carl Fonticella/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves biggest surprises: Ender Inciarte

Another one of the Braves’ biggest surprises is Ender Inciarte. Inciarte has disappointed so far this season. He’s hitting .240, down from .304 last season. On the other hand, Inciarte has shocked many by stealing 18 bases so far – good for a tie with Trea Turner for the National League lead. The good news is, he will likely heat up at the plate eventually, especially given his unusually low .267 BABIP.

Next: Will the Braves still be playing into October?

Will the Atlanta Braves be able to ride their big surprises into the 2018 MLB postseason? Or, will they have to make a deal or two before the MLB trade deadline to counter the disappointing ones?

Time will tell, but 2018 has been a surprise, but a welcome one for their fanbase, who are eager for their squad to return to some meaningful October baseball!

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