Where 'The Shredder' ranks the Braves, Part 2

This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman's Braves Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ATLANTA -- MLB Network’s ranking of the Top 10 players at each position provided yet another reminder that the Braves have as much star power as any other team in the league.

Atlanta had seven players crack the list. The Dodgers led the way with eight representatives. Using rankings based on past performance, various offensive and defensive metrics (including both advanced statistics and traditional numbers) and analysis by the MLB Network research team, “The Shredder” produced the rankings.

We covered the starting pitchers, catchers and infielders within Thursday’s newsletter. We’ll look at the outfielders today.

RIGHT FIELD

Ronald Acuña Jr. (No. 7)
Acu?a was ranked as the top overall player, regardless of position, before he started last season slow and then suffered a season-ending knee injury near the end of May. He tore his right ACL in 2021 and his left ACL in 2024. So, we may never see another 40/70 season. Heck, we probably would have never seen another one even if Acu?a had stayed healthy last year. I just don’t see another current player who is capable of matching the historic 40-homer, 73-steal season the Braves outfielder notched in 2023.

Acu?a’s talents are ridiculous. His speed, or at least his willingness to run as frequently as he did in the past, will be limited. But I would say by the end of 2026, he will once again rank among the game’s top 10 overall players. His elite power and great arm strength will continue to set him apart. The Braves still aren’t setting a timetable for Acu?a’s return. Early May may be the best scenario, but late May might be a more likely estimation. His progress during Spring Training will give us a better idea of when he’ll be back atop Atlanta’s lineup.

CENTER FIELD

Michael Harris II (No. 4)
Within the Jan. 9 newsletter, you read why there should be a lot of excitement surrounding Harris this year. I could have strengthened his tremendous potential by pointing out he has played just four full seasons above the high school level. Yes, injuries have hampered his production. But this latest ranking is a reminder of how far he has come during his early development. To get a feel for what Harris might be capable of over an entire season, here is a look at his yearly production:

? 2022 (114 games): .297 BA, 19 HR, 20 SB, .853 OPS
? 162-game pace: 27 HR, 28 SB

? 2023 (138 games): .293 BA, 18 HR, 20 SB, .808 OPS
? 162-game pace: 21 HR, 23 SB

? 2024 (110 games): .264 BA, 16 HR, 10 SB, .722 OPS
? 162-game pace: 23 HR, 14 SB

How remarkable would it have been for Harris to tally three straight 20-20 seasons? Well, only five players have totaled three 20-20 seasons at 23 or younger: Julio Rodríguez (2022-24), Andruw Jones (1998-2000), Alex Rodriguez (1997-99), Cesar Cede?o (1972-74) and Vada Pinson (1959-62). Harris ranked fifth among center fielders last year. He sits behind J-Rod, Jackson Merrill and Byron Buxton this year. If he stays healthy, he could certainly sit at the top of this list next year.

LEFT FIELD

Jurickson Profar (NR among Top 10)
Profar has resuscitated his career while hitting 24 homers and constructing a .839 OPS for the Padres last year. His defense is average at best. But because he has a good arm, he’ll be more like Eddie Rosario than Marcell Ozuna with the glove.

The Braves believe in the power that the 31-year-old Profar gained when he made some adjustments to the lower half of swing and setup. There’s hope he’s following the same path as José Bautista and Justin Turner, who both suddenly gained a lot of pop when they made similar adjustments around the same age.