The Braves will be well-represented in Washington next month.
MLB unveiled its final All-Star Game fan voting update for the National League on Monday, and the Braves fared strongly, as they have throughout the process.
First baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Ozzie Albies and outfielder Nick Markakis lead all NL position players. Freeman’s 2,199,904 votes are the most in the league, while Markakis’ 1,829,276 are the second-most.
Dansby Swanson was second among shortstops, though substantially behind the Giants’ Brandon Crawford. Johan Camargo was third for third baseman and Kurt Suzuki was third for catchers.
Ronald Acuna and Ender Inciarte are fifth and sixth for outfielders, respectively. Former Brave Matt Kemp has rejuvenated his career back with the Dodgers and sits second among outfielders. Washington’s Bryce Harper is third.
“I think everybody appreciates the love and support that Braves Country and the fans around major league baseball are giving us,” Freeman said. “Obviously we all want to be there in the All-Star game, but most importantly we want to be past the 162nd game, and us winning ballgames makes us go on to a national stage. So we definitely do appreciate the voting process that’s been going on and hopefully it will continue for us.”
Freeman might be the league’s MVP frontrunner. He hasn’t shown any lingering effects from last season’s wrist injury, playing in all 76 games thus far.
The Braves’ best player has hit .327 with 15 homers and 53 RBIs. His 96 hits are second-most in the senior circuit, and his current pace could put him within striking distance of career-highs in doubles, triples, homers, RBIs, steals and OPS.
Markakis, 34, is positioned to make the first all-star game of his career. He’s hit .328 with an NL-best 99 hits, along with eight homers and 49 RBIs.
The veteran leaped Harper in the second round of voting. He, Freeman and Albies have been slated to start since the first update two weeks ago, and now pole position for two weeks.
Albies’ performance has fluctuated in recent weeks, but he remains one of the most dynamic and exciting young players in the game. The 21-year-old is hitting .264 with a .799 OPS. Most surprisingly, he’s launched 16 homers despite what his 5-foot-8, 165-pound listed frame would suggest.
The 2018 MLB All-Star Game will be played July 17 in Washington, a location which hasn't hosted since 1969. The event's schedule can be found on its website.
