Atlanta Braves: Breaking down the lineup’s key contributors

The Atlanta Braves continue their historic start to the season behind the production of a deep lineup. With a little over a month of the season in the books, several Braves have stepped up.

Furthermore, a handful of sluggers within the Braves’ lineup have contributed in a manner that places them in the early-season MVP conversation. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers.

Diving into the numbers for key members of the Atlanta Braves

Sean Murphy

Murphy had a slow offensive start to the season, likely due to his role as the Braves’ backstop and the challenge of acclimating to a new pitching staff. Now, he is settled in Atlanta and heating up offensively. Murphy is arguably the hottest hitter in the National League right now, receiving recognition as the NL’s top player last week.

Murphy’s recent production has catapulted him up major statistical leaderboards. Murphy holds the league lead with an expected weighted on-base average of .482, according to Statcast. Additionally, he ranks in the top five of exit velocity and barrels and within the top 10 home run leaders.

While the season’s first few weeks caused some concern, it is now easy to see why Alex Anthopoulos traded for Murphy during the offseason.

Ozzie Albies

The production from Albies has increased during the last few weeks, boosting the middle of the Braves order. The Braves’ second baseman has a slash line of .283/.320/.543 with nine home runs and 23 runs batted in.

The home run ball is perhaps the most exciting element of Albies’ success thus far. Albies is known for his power from the right side of the plate. However, this season, many of his home runs have come from the left side.

After battling injury last season, Albies is back to his All-Star caliber performance. If he stays healthy, Albies will be a crucial contributor for the Braves all season.

Matt Olson

Olson’s average has dipped a bit since the season’s opening weeks, but his power output has not. His ten home runs are suitable for the sixth spot in the league, according to Statcast. In addition, Olson has driven in 27 runs out of the second spot in the Braves lineup. The slugger’s 95.2 average exit velocity is the third-best average in baseball right now.

Olson has struggled a bit against southpaws this season, hitting just two of his home runs against lefties. However, Olson hasn’t always struggled against left-handed pitching, and a resurgence in his production against lefties will make this Braves lineup even more potent.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

It’s hard to quantify in words the production of Ronald Acuña Jr. The young phenom is clearly out to prove himself this season, and every aspect of his game reflects his mission. Slashing .338/.431/.551, Acuña ranks among the elites in many offensive categories.

Acuña’s ability to set the tone is one of his most significant impacts this season. Thus far, he is hitting .500 with 16 hits and 10 runs scored during the first inning of games. Keeping the All-Star healthy and at the top of the order is vital for Atlanta’s long-term success this season.

The previously mentioned sluggers have helped the Braves get off to their best start in the last 25 years. Meanwhile, the club is waiting for a few players to catch up.

After a hot start, Austin Riley is struggling at the plate. However, the slugger has six home runs and 18 runs batted in on the season and will have multiple opportunities to contribute at the top of the order.

The recent emergence of Eddie Rosario and Marcell Ozuna is a pleasant surprise and valuable weapon for Brian Snitker. Additionally, with the reinstatement of Travis d’Arnaud, the Braves have a handful of reliable options to platoon the designated hitter and left field positions.

Michael Harris II was recently activated after an extended IL visit due to an early April back injury. Harris walked off Sunday’s game against the Orioles and looked back to standard form. Consistent contributions from the reigning National League Rookie of the Year can do nothing but bolster an already dangerous lineup.