This continues my series where I predict the stats of each Braves player for the 2023 season, moving on to Austin Riley. If you missed any of the previous parts to this series, follow the links below.
Predicting Austin Riley’s 2023 Stats
Austin Riley has been the most consistent offensive player for the Braves over the last two seasons, something I never thought I would say following 2019 and 2020. He turned into an MVP candidate in 2021, but there were questions about whether he would be able to replicate that production last year.
Riley did that and more, recording career-highs in homers (38) and fWAR (5.5). He was named an All-Star for the first time, recognized as one of the top third basemen in the league.
Riley did have a cold stretch to end 2022, and some might point to the pressure stemming from the contract extension he signed as a reason for that. I’m not of that opinion. He’s shown enough consistency over the last two seasons to be viewed as an All-Star caliber player. Although, I’m not quite sure he should be considered a perennial MVP candidate. FanGraphs projects Riley to accrue 4.5 WAR next season, and I think that’s about right.
Austin Riley 2023 Stat Predictions: .265/.350/.495, .845 OPS, 34 home runs, 100 RBIs, 4.4 WAR
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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