Braves’ power solution may lie in doubles, triples

1. Freddie Freeman hit 65 extra-base hits in 440 at-bats. Freeman hit 35 doubles, 28 homers and two triples. 2. Nick Markakis collected 48 extra-base hits. Markakis led the Braves in doubles with 39. 3. Ender Inciarte tied for third with 43 extra-base hits. Inciarte delivered 27 doubles and five triples. 3. Matt Kemp tied Inciarte with 43 extra-base hits. Kemp and his big salary, weak defense are gone. 5. Matt Adams recorded 40 extra-base hits. The Braves let Adams become a free agent and didn’t offer a

By now it’s established that only days before spring training begins, the Braves lack home-run hitters in their lineup.

But another way to examine “power” is looking at who on the team can provide doubles and triples. After all, those are also components of a player’s slugging percentage. The stats are little more favorable for the Braves when looking at doubles and triples as well as homers. Extra-base hits can produce runs and keep a rally going.

Look at the video above to see the top five players in extra-base hits next season. After viewing it, keep in mind players who were outside the top five but offer promise for 2018. For example, Ozzie Albies combined for 20 extra-base hits in 217 at-bats. Also, despite serious hitting woes for most last season, Dansby Swanson produced 31 extra-base hits (23 doubles) in 488 at-bats. Johan Camargo hit 27 extra-base hits in 241 at-bats.