Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Still no outside power upgrade for Braves as spring training nears

Freddie Freeman led the Braves in home runs with 28, despite playing in only 117 games (440 at-bats) because of an injury. Matt Adams finished in a three-way tie for second with 19 in 291 at-bats. He became a free agent when the Braves chose not to tender a contract, and Adams signed with the Nationals. Catcher Kurt Suzuki also hit 19 home runs, in 276 at-bats. He re-signed with the Braves for 2018. Matt Kemp finished in a three-way tie for second on the team with 19, in 438 at-bats. Kemp was traded to th
By
Feb 9, 2018

With Braves pitchers and catchers set to report Tuesday, one of the questions entering spring training and a new season is whether the team will generate more power at the plate.

Two of the top five home-run hitters from last season are gone: Matt Adams and Matt Kemp. Of the top three returning, two are catchers, so both won’t be in the lineup at the same time.

Heralded prospect Ronald Acuna is a strong candidate to join the lineup sometime early in the season. If that goes as planned, he likely will provide a power boost. Johan Camargo still seems set to begin the season as the starting third baseman. He showed some extra-base power in a short stint in winter ball and seems to continue to add muscle through his offseason strength and conditioning. Ozzie Albies is pound-for-pound stronger than you might expect for his size, so having him all season could help replace the 38 homers hit by Adams and Kemp.

After that, the Braves must hope that someone emerges -- and that Tyler Flowers and Kurt Suzuki duplicate their combined power output of 31 homers in 2017.

About the Author

David Wellham has worked as an editor and content producer at the AJC since 2006, but his knowledge of sports in metro Atlanta and Georgia dates to much earlier. He uses his institutional knowledge to help the AJC provide in-depth coverage of area sports and sports teams. David can be reached at 404-526-5424 and dwellham@ajc.com.

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