Who is the Braves' Best First Baseman Ever? Let's Vote

[yop_poll id="14"]

Need some inspiration? Let's make the case for some of the obvious ones. But first..

Current Braves First Baseman

Matt Olson is the current Atlanta Braves first baseman. Matt was acquired on March 14, 2022 after a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves throughout the franchise and the league. The Braves sent Cristian Pache, Shea Langeliers, Joey Estes, and Ryan Cusick to the Athletics and then immediately resigned Olson to an 8 year contract worth $168 million.

This signaled to everyone that the unthinkable had happened: the Braves had broken off contract negotiations and moved on from perennial all-star Freddie Freeman.

Freddie Freeman – The Modern-Day Icon (4.9 WAR)

I know how it ended, but so far Braves fans remember the good times. Freddie Freeman's reign as the Braves' first baseman was nothing short of legendary. With his consistent performance, both at the plate and in the field, Freeman became the face of the franchise filling the void left by Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. His impressive combination of power-hitting, high batting average, and Gold Glove-caliber defense has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections, a Gold Glove Award, and the prestigious 2020 National League MVP.

I mean just look at these numbers.

SEASON	TEAM	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	HBP	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	WAR
2010	ATL	20	24	3	4	1	0	1	1	0	0	8	0	0	.167	.167	.333	.500	-0.2
2011	ATL	157	571	67	161	32	0	21	76	53	6	142	4	4	.282	.346	.448	.795	1.4
2012	ATL	147	540	91	140	33	2	23	94	64	7	129	2	0	.259	.340	.456	.796	2.1
2013	ATL	147	551	89	176	27	1	23	109	66	7	121	1	3	.319	.396	.501	.897	5.1
2014	ATL	162	607	93	175	43	4	18	78	90	8	145	3	4	.288	.386	.461	.847	3.1
2015	ATL	118	416	62	115	27	0	18	66	56	7	98	3	1	.276	.370	.471	.841	3.4
2016	ATL	158	589	102	178	43	6	34	91	89	10	171	6	1	.302	.400	.569	.968	6.5
2017	ATL	117	440	84	144	35	2	28	71	65	7	95	8	2	.307	.403	.586	.989	4.5
2018	ATL	162	618	94	191	44	0	23	98	76	7	132	10	3	.309	.388	.505	.892	6.1
2019	ATL	158	597	113	176	34	1	38	121	87	6	127	6	7	.295	.389	.549	.938	4.4
2020	ATL	60	214	51	73	23	3	13	53	45	6	37	2	0	.341	.462	.640	1.102	2.9
2021	ATL	159	600	120	180	25	3	31	83	85	8	107	8	3	.300	.393	.503	.896	4.7

Fred McGriff – The Crime Dog's Clutch Power (0.2 WAR)

Fred McGriff, affectionately known as "The Crime Dog," arrived in Atlanta during the team's dynasty years in the 1990s. His powerful bat and timely hitting played a pivotal role in the Braves' success, including multiple playoff runs and a World Series championship in 1995. A lefty with a classic power swing, McGriff's ability to deliver in clutch situations and his steady presence at first base solidified his place as a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team's legacy.

Andrés Galarraga – The Big Cat's Unbreakable Spirit (1.2 WAR)

Andrés Galarraga, nicknamed "The Big Cat," brought a unique blend of power and passion to the Braves. Despite facing a battle with cancer, Galarraga's impact on the field was undeniable. His impressive home run totals and infectious enthusiasm made him a beloved figure in Atlanta. Galarraga's resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to both his teammates and fans alike.

Sid Bream - The Slide

OK. We're going to need more than numbers to argue this point.

Enough said? Clearly, Sid Bream's impact on the Atlanta Braves extends far beyond his impressive statistics; his defining moment in the 1992 NLCS cemented his legacy as arguably the best first baseman in team history. Known for his defensive prowess and clutch hitting, Bream's career with the Braves is highlighted by his iconic slide into home plate that sent Atlanta to the World Series, a moment that remains etched in the memories of Braves fans. While his overall numbers might not eclipse those of other Braves first basemen, Bream's leadership, consistency, and unforgettable postseason heroics provide a compelling argument for his place at the top. His role in transforming the Braves into perennial contenders in the early '90s cannot be overstated, making Sid Bream not just a great first baseman, but a legendary figure in the annals of Braves history.

Other Notable Braves First Basemen

Ryan Klesko: We have to mention beloved first baseman Ryan Klesko. The powerful left-handed bat with the versatility to play both first base and outfield, Klesko's contributions to the Braves' championship run in the 1990s solidified his importance to the team.
Casey Kotchman: Don't you dare vote for him.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know.