Austin Riley: The Unstoppable Force at Third Base for the Atlanta Braves
Chipper Jones Discusses the Changes Made to Austin Riley’s Offensive Strategy
The Atlanta Braves have always been known for having a strong roster and developing talented players, but none have impressed more than third baseman Austin Riley. From being a highly-regarded prospect in the Braves farm system to become one of the top players in the game, Riley has come a long way in his short career. And with the help of Chipper Jones, he continues to reach new heights.
Early Struggles and Breakout Season
Austin Riley first burst onto the scene in 2019, hitting seven home runs and batting .375 in his first 14 games. However, he struggled over the next 66 games, hitting just .188 and 11 home runs. This poor performance led to him being left off the playoff roster. The shortened 2020 season showed some improvement, but it wasn’t until 2021 that Riley truly reached his full potential. Finishing 6th in the NL MVP race, Riley established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Transformation at the Plate
Chipper Jones, one of the greatest third basemen to ever play the game, recently spoke about what changed for Riley and what led to his success. Jones mentioned that while many around the organization saw Riley as a potential star since his draft day, they never expected him to become a .300 hitter, which he accomplished in 2021. This transformation at the plate, along with his already impressive power, has made Riley one of the best players in the game.
The Future of Third Base for the Braves
The last third baseman to win the NL MVP award for the Braves was Chipper Jones, and many believe that Riley has the potential to follow in his footsteps. He has already established himself as a dominant force on the field, and with his incredible power and improved plate discipline, there is no limit to what he can achieve in the future.
Riley’s signing of the most lucrative contract in Braves franchise history is a testament to his value to the team and his potential for even more success in the future. With his talent and drive, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a name for himself as one of the best third basemen in the game.
Final say
Austin Riley is a player to watch in the coming years. His combination of raw talent and determination makes him a force to be reckoned with on the field, and with the help of Chipper Jones, he will only continue to reach new heights. The Atlanta Braves have a lot to look forward to with Riley at third base, and fans can expect to see him making waves in the league for years to come.
Read More: Brown and Baker: A Dynamic Duo Finally Reunites in Houston