MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Atlanta Braves: Freddie Freeman
Taking over as Atlanta’s first baseman in 2011, Freddie Freeman developed into the centerpiece of one of the most feared offenses in the modern game. Runner-up in that season’s Rookie of the Year voting, he was a .295 batter with 292 home runs who led the Braves to six postseason appearances capped by the 2021 World Series championship.
For his .341 average in 2020, Freeman was voted the National League’s Most Valuable Player.
Freeman measures up not merely by the standards of 21st century Braves but also by the standards of all-time Braves. Here’s where he ranks on the career list of several major offensive categories for Braves both in the 21st century and all-time.
Category All-time 21st century
Position WAR 6th T1
On Base Average 10th 1st
Slugging Average 10th 2nd
Games 9th 2nd
Base hits 7th 1st
Total bases 6th 1st
Home Runs 6th 2nd
RBI 7th 1st
Five times during his years in Atlanta, Freeman was voted to the National League All-Star team. There’s no doubt he would have made it five had there been an All-Star selection process in 2020.
In the wings: Freeman’s signing with the Dodgers prior to the 2022 season opens the door wide for Ronald Acuña Jr. to supplant him as franchise face in the near future. Acuna already leads Freeman in slugging percentage. Another potential candidate is third baseman Austin Riley, who the Braves recently signed to a $232 million contract through 2023.