The analytics site PointAfter compiled a list of the Braves' all-time players for the franchise (from Boston to Atlanta).
The selections were based on the career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) totals for the players for only their time with the Braves.
WAR is a sabermetric statistic calculated from the number and success rate by a player (in, for example, batting, baserunning, fielding, and pitching). The higher the WAR the larger the contribution a player adds to a team's winning rate.
As a franchise the Braves, had a total WAR of 819.9, placing them in the top 5 overall among baseball's 30 franchises.
Below are the players selected with their years in Atlanta and their WAR score. Vote for them or other options.
Position players
C: Joe Torre (1960-1968; 33.3)
1B: Dale Murphy (1976-1990; 46.9)
2B: Bobby Lowe (1890-1901; 19.1)
3B: Eddie Mathews (1952-1966; 94.4)
SS: Herman Long (1890-1902; 35.4)
OF: Hank Aaron (1954-1974; 142.1)
OF: Chipper Jones (1993-2012; 85.0)
OF: Andruw Jones (1996-2007; 61.0)
Of Note: Murphy, who played multiple positionts in Atlanta - primarily in the outfield - was made a first baseman for the purpose of this list to allow for he and Chipper to make the list. Murphy made 205 appearances at first base in his first two big league seasons.
The pitchers
SP: Kid Nichols (1890-1901; 108.5)
SP: Warren Spahn (1942, 1946-1964; 92.0)
SP: Phil Niekro (1964-1983, 1987; 90.0)
RP: Craig Kimbrel (2010-2014; 12.2)
Of Note: Missing from the list are Hall of Famers John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. As teammates from 1993-2002, they combined for a 453-224 record, with 4,616 strikeouts, a 2.97 ERA and five Cy Young Awards.
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