3 reasons the Braves can win the World Series in 2020
By Tyler Kemp
2. The Bats
Throughout 2019, Atlanta had plenty of guys that it could rely on in clutch moments throughout the season. Ozzie Albies, Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Josh Donaldson, Dansby Swanson and Nick Markakis all had over 100 hits on the season.
Out of the top guys, Donaldson left for Minnesota via free agency and Markakis recently opted out of the 2020 season over health concerns. Outside of that, the other top names are coming back ready to work.
It all starts with Acuna. The first-time All-Star in 2019 finished the year fifth in NL MVP voting with a .280 batting average, 41 homers and 101 RBI. In the outfield, Acuna is one of the most dynamic players in the game.
Albies is another young star on the rise alongside Acuna. After being selected as an All-Star in 2018, Albies either maintained or improved in major statistical hitting categories in 2019 including hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, walks and hitting percentages (average, on base, slugging and OPS). Expect another big year from the second baseman.
Swanson, a former No. 1 overall pick, had to work through some injuries in 2019. In 127 games, Swanson put up a .251 average with 17 homers and 65 RBI’s. His health and improvement in his fourth full year in Atlanta will be critical.
Freeman is the veteran presence of the group. A four-time All-Star, the first baseman has been a mainstay in the A for the past decade. Freeman dealt with testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the offseason, but all signs point to the fact that he will be ready to go. On such a young team, Freeman will be relied upon as the elder statesman.