The Atlanta Braves‘ Austin Riley will be on the southside of Chicago on April 2nd for his fifth game of the 2024 Season and his 27th birthday. All baseball enthusiasts know that 27 is the magical age in which baseball players break out and mature into their prime.
Take legendary Braves HOF third baseman Chipper Jones, for example. At 27, he had one of his best seasons when he batted .319 and walloped 45 home runs. His 1999, 27-year-old season would be the only year he would join the 40 HR club. He also had a career-high of 25 stolen bases that year, his only appearance in the 40/20 club. It was also the only year he would also be crowned with the MVP award.
Riley and Chipper share a lot of parallels; the first five seasons of both players offer an intriguing comparison, firmly establishing Chipper Jones’ Hall of Fame status and hinting at the potential Austin holds. While Riley outshines Jones in terms of home runs and slugging percentage, Jones has the upper hand in terms of batting average, stolen bases, and RBI. Still, the comparison is a testament to Riley’s potential, as being mentioned alongside a Braves legend like Jones is no small feat.
This minor trivia fact is but a footnote as to why Riley will have the best season of his career; let’s look at our three bold predictions for his 2024 season.
Bold Predictions for Austin Riley
The Braves are anticipating a big season. Their eyes are locked in on that elusive fifth World Series in franchise history. Riley will be an integral part of bringing that banner to Truist Park. He will also be a mega part of the most rotisserie fantasy baseball championship; here is what to expect from the underrated third baseman.
Prediction 1: Top 5 in NL MVP Voting
Austin Riley is primed to burst out in the National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP) voting. While he has received MVP voting recognition in the past three seasons, finishing sixth or seventh every year since 2020, 2024 will definitely be his breakthrough year. Remember, he is the magical baseball age of 27; this year will dictate and define his career, and he will crack the top-5 this season.
Prediction 2: Joining the 40 Home Run Club
Riley’s power-hitting prowess is part of his charm. He’s been a consistent homerun slugger for the Braves, belting 33, 38, and 37 in 2023. This season, Riley will finally join the esteemed 40 home run club, elevating him to the best-hitting third basemen in baseball.
Prediction 3: Batting Average Over .300
Achieving a batting average over .300 is a significant milestone for any player. For Riley, reaching this mark would be a strong indicator of his growth as a player. This season, the Braves will see Riley achieve this feat, leading him to surpass his run and RBI totals from last year.
MLB projections have him projected to have a slash line of .285/.355/.522 with 32 home runs, 92 runs, and 90 RBIs, While ZIPS say .278/.349/.517 with 36 dingers; this is insulting, and I irrationally low projections; take advantage of all your fantasy drafts.
Riley’s career trajectory is undoubtedly impressive. His performance parallels some of the Braves’ most legendary players, and his prospects seem promising. While comparing him to Chipper Jones might seem premature, his first five seasons show a strong potential for a successful career, my advice is to big high and draft higher when it comes to 2024 Austin Riley.
Main Image: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
