3 Braves Players Who Could Have Their Number Retired Next
By Jerry Trotta
In terms of retired numbers, the Atlanta Braves boast a class like no other. Nine of the 10 numbers that have been etched into franchise history were worn by players and a manager who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine.
While all were legends, the Braves, believe it or not, have not instilled a set of precedents that players have to meet in order draw consideration for the revered honor. With that in mind, there are only a handful of players that the organization can choose from in terms of retiring the next number.
Let's highlight the three that are most deserving.
3. Freddie Freeman
Freeman's career numbers with Atlanta have him in pole position to have his No. 5 jersey retired when all is said and done. The four-time All-Star and Gold Glover will need to keep his monster production up for the next four or so seasons to draw serious consideration, but there's been no indication that he will slow down anytime soon. In 10 years, Freeman has posted an elite .293/.379/.504 slash line with close to 1,500 hits, 227 home runs, and 805 RBI.
2. Brian McCann
McCann was as beloved as any player in Braves history, and for good reason. The now-retired catcher notched seven All-Star appearances and seven Silver Sluggers in 10 seasons with the club, during which he hit .275/.348/.469 with an .817 OPS, 188 home runs, 236 doubles, and 706 RBI. Case closed! McCann's No. 16 should be one of the next two Braves jerseys to hit the rafters.
1. Andruw Jones
Jones is widely regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in MLB history. He won 10 Gold Glove Awards and was part of 10 postseason teams during his 12-year run with Atlanta. The Curacao Kid's 61.0 bWar ranks fourth in franchise history, and he produced 368 home runs, nearly 1,700 hits, and 1,117 RBI for the club. Jones was a five-time All-Star with the Braves and is plenty deserving of having his No. 25 jersey retired. There haven't been many players better than Jones to pass through the organization across its 144-year history.