3 players who could make or break Braves’ World Series chances

Austin Riley is the new face of the franchise, whether or not he is ready for it

While much of the championship core remains intact, you cannot deny what losing two key organizational pillars in back-to-back free agencies can have on a franchise. With Freddie Freeman and now Dansby Swanson competing for other NL clubs, it is even more imperative for star third baseman Austin Riley to grow into his own as a leader. It will look different, but this has to happen.

Technically, Ozzie Albies could serve in this role, but his shorter stature and injury-prone nature do throw wrenches in that argument somewhat. Admittedly, it is not up to one guy to be the leader of a championship franchise, but Riley has to embrace these new responsibilities as best as he can. He is a homegrown talent and a well-compensated one at a major position in the Braves infield.

In short, he needs to be himself in this leadership ascension. He is not Freeman or Swanson, but he cannot be Mike Trout. Do not kid yourself that Trout’s quiet demeanor has contributed to the Halos being perpetual underachievers over in the AL West. Riley is not Trout’s talent, but he is the franchise cornerstone of Atlanta baseball, whether or not he is ready to handle the responsibilities.

Riley has gotten better every year he has been with the Braves, so this will be par for the course.

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