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How good can Atlanta Braves lineup be with a healthy Ozzie Albies?

By James Kunkle

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves beats the throw for an infield single in the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves beats the throw for an infield single in the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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The key to the Atlanta Braves offense in 2021 could all hinge on the shoulders of Ozzie Albies.

Coming in on the middle of January, we still do not know if the Atlanta Braves are going to add a big bat — whether it be in the form of Marcell Ozuna or another avenue.

We know Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna will be the stars most teams pay attention to, but we also know that they will show up and put up their normal numbers.

Therefore, the 2021 season for the Atlanta Braves might go as far as Ozzie Albies can tack on and take them.

First and foremost, the key to it all is staying healthy. Ozzie saw his 2020 season marred by wrist injuries most notably and obviously that played a huge factor in his production and therefore his numbers took a dive slightly.

He only appeared in 29 games last season, which was obviously about half of the Atlanta Braves games.

Manager Brian Snitker opted to use Freddie Freeman in the two-hole most of the season. Now, I cannot argue with the results of that move as Freddie went on to win the MVP award. I think most would agree, though, that was simply a result of having protection behind him in the form of Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud.

I think at the end of the day, Ozzie Albies is the right man for the Atlanta Braves to use in the two spot. A top two of Acuna and Albies who both have good power and good speed is the deadly combo that the Atlanta Braves should elect to use and then let Freddie and (hopefully) a big bat drive them in and watch them run the bases.

Around the game, most talk centers on Acuna and his pursuit of a 40/40 season, or heck, some would say he can go 50/50. Let’s don’t sleep on the fact that Ozzie Albies could easily be a 20/20 guy himself. Then again, with his recent history of wrist issues, I could see the Atlanta Braves holding back the reigns a little bit.

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Taking all of this into account, it is easy to see why the Atlanta Braves might need their little spark plug in 2021 more than ever before. Hopefully, Ozzie is ready to bounce back after a down year in 2020.

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