Atlanta Braves: Stock up, stock down
Owners of the best record in the National League, the Atlanta Braves are currently on a seven-game winning streak and have the best run-differential in the NL at +102, 50 runs ahead of the next closest team (San Francisco Giants, +52).
With the Braves looking like serious World Series contenders, here are a few players trending up and down in 2023.
Stock Up
Ronald Acuna, outfielder: There were plenty of question marks regarding the health of the uber-talented right fielder coming into the 2023 season and Acuna has been able to prove he is back to full strength after a serious knee injury in 2021.
The Braves superstar is currently the leading MVP candidate in the National League, with a slash line of .327/.403/.558 to go with 15 home runs and 46 RBI. Acuna is also leading the National League in stolen bases with 31 and runs scored with 63.
With his legs back underneath him, Acuna has all the talent needed to be an MVP candidate for the foreseeable future.
Orlando Arcia, shortstop: A solid bench piece for the Braves in 2022, Arcia has taken the reigns at shortstop and isn't looking back.
With Dansby Swanson leaving Atlanta this past offseason, Arcia was expected to share time with Vaughn Grissom. But after getting the nod over the rookie, Arcia hasn't disappointed. Batting .341 with six home runs and 25 RBI while playing a great defense has propelled him to lead the National League in All-Star votes at the shortstop position.
In his eighth season in the MLB, Arcia is still only 28 years old and is finally living up to the top prospect status he had coming up with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Stock Down
A.J. Minter, pitcher: A mainstay in the Braves bullpen since his debut in 2017, Minter is currently experiencing his worst season as a professional since 2019.
With a 5.35 ERA, which is well above his career mark of 3.49, Minter has already blown three saves in 2023 and was removed from closer duties in favor of Raisel Iglesias.
The Braves bullpen is full of arms with experience, so they could choose to trade from this depth for upgrades elsewhere. With one more year of team control, Minter could be a player who could benefit from a change of scenery as the Braves tool up for the playoffs.
Austin Riley, third base: Coming into the 2023 season fresh off of back-to-back 30+ home run campaigns, the 2022 All-Star has experienced a slow start to his 2023 season.
With a slash line of .259/.323/.430, Riley has had trouble producing for the star-studded Braves. His 12 home runs and 35 RBI are both only good enough for sixth on the team despite getting a majority of his starts batting third in the lineup.
While there is no need to panic, the drop in numbers across the board is still a cause for concern.
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