ATLANTA -- Freddie Freeman entered the All-Star break saying the Braves are right where they want to be. Despite struggling through the first two weeks of July, they sit a half-game back in the National League East, which nobody could have predicted when handicapping the division race before the season.
Freeman's MVP bid may be challenged by one young teammate (Ozzie Albies) and quite possibly one of his older teammates (Nick Markakis). That trio has consistently fueled an offense that has not benefited from the best of Ronald Acuna Jr., who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.