If the 2018 National League MVP trophy were handed out this week, which of course it won't be, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman would win it in a runaway.
At least that's the conclusion of MLB.com's latest poll of Baseball Writers Association of America members, published Tuesday.
Freeman received 117 of a possible 140 points and 21 of 28 first-place votes for NL MVP in the poll, putting him far ahead of his nearest challenger, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who received 55 points and two first-place votes.
"Because Atlanta hasn't been to the postseason since 2013, Freeman at times got overlooked in the conversation regarding baseball's best players," MLB.com's Richard Justice wrote. "He's performing only a bit better than he has in recent seasons, but the Braves have surrounded him with talent that has put a spotlight on his greatness."
Only three Braves players have won the MVP award since the team moved to Atlanta – Dale Murphy in 1982 and 1983, Terry Pendleton in 1991 and Chipper Jones in 1999.
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The Braves complete a six-game homestand with a 12:10 p.m. game Wednesday against the Reds. As usual for non-holiday weekday afternoon games at SunTrust Park, parking will be limited.
The team issued a reminder that all parking lots will be permit-only, meaning fans must pre-purchase passes, and that as of Tuesday the only lots still available for pre-purchase were at North Atlanta High School (lot East 68) and at Cumberland Community Church.
The Braves are 2-3 on the homestand thus far, with two losses in three games to the Orioles over the weekend and a split of the first two games against the Reds.
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TODAY’S LEADOFF LINKS
> The Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee announced a community engagement initiative aimed at creating a lasting legacy from the big game's visit here next year. See details here.
> The Hawks' plan for newly drafted point guard Trae Young during summer league play is to "allow him to be Trae." See Michael Cunningham's story here.
> Jeff Schultz writes that the Braves are showing what's possible when a team doesn't think, "It's over." Read his column here.
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