We’re about to take a wild, nostalgia-packed ride through a decade of big swings, filthy sliders, and heart-stopping moments that made Atlanta Braves baseball what it was throughout the 2010s.
Whether you were riding the rollercoaster rebuild, clapping along in the Chop House, or yelling at your TV when the bullpen imploded (again), this list is for you. We’re counting down the top 10 Braves players of the 2010s—not just by numbers, but by impact, legacy, and, yeah, a little bit of flair. All of the stats below come straight from Baseball Reference.
1. Freddie Freeman – The Face of the Franchise
You knew this one was coming. Freddie Freeman wasn’t just the best Braves player of the decade—he was the Braves. From his 2010 debut all the way through 2020, the man was a model of consistency and heart.
He posted a .295 average in the 2010s with over 227 home runs and 805 RBIs. But the stats only tell part of the story. Freeman played hurt, played hard, and led by example. A five-time All-Star during the decade, he was the bridge from the Chipper Jones era to the next wave. Pure class, pure clutch.
2. Craig Kimbrel – The Untouchable Closer
Ever try hitting a 99 mph fastball with movement? No? Me neither—and neither did most hitters facing Craig Kimbrel from 2010 to 2014. Kimbrel finished the decade with a 1.43 ERA in a Braves uniform, racking up 186 saves before being traded in 2015.
He made four straight All-Star appearances and led the league in saves four times. Oh, and that pre-pitch arm hang? Iconic. He gave the Braves the edge every ninth inning needed.
3. Julio Teherán – The Workhorse
Look, he wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t overpowering. But Julio Teherán was the rock in Atlanta’s rotation for most of the 2010s. From 2013 to 2019, he made at least 30 starts in six of seven seasons and finished with a 3.67 ERA over more than 1,300 innings for the decade. Two All-Star appearances, multiple Opening Day starts, and a lot of tough outs. A reliable, underrated anchor.
4. Andrelton Simmons – The Human Highlight Reel
Defense doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but Simmons demanded attention. From 2012 to 2015, Simmons turned shortstop into a performance art. He won two Gold Gloves with Atlanta and was the clear defensive WAR leader in MLB during those seasons. His bat wasn’t elite (.256 average with 31 HRs), but his glove? Generational. You almost wanted opponents to hit ground balls his way.
5. Brian McCann – The Steady Veteran
Yes, Brian McCann’s prime started in the 2000s, but he was still making noise in the early 2010s—and then again in his feel-good homecoming season in 2019. Between 2010 and 2013, he smacked 20+ home runs three times and made two All-Star teams. He was a clubhouse leader, a steady backstop, and an Atlanta icon. That lefty power stroke? Still sweet.
6. Ronald Acuña Jr. – The Phenom Arrives
Now we’re talking fireworks. Ronald Acuña Jr. debuted in 2018, and in just three seasons before 2020 ended the decade, he made enough impact to land firmly in this top 10. The 2018 Rookie of the Year, a 2019 All-Star, and the near 40-40 season? Unreal. In his first 313 games, Acuña hit 81 homers, stole 61 bases, and had a .285 average. Electric. And the swag? Off the charts.
7. Jason Heyward – The Great Beginning
That 2010 debut? One for the books. First at-bat, first pitch, boom—three-run homer. Jason Heyward entered with sky-high expectations, and while he didn’t fully meet them offensively, he still contributed in big ways. From 2010 to 2014, he won two Gold Gloves, posted a 6.9 WAR in 2012, and remained a solid presence in right field. Defense, leadership, and one unforgettable start.
8. Ozzie Albies – The Spark Plug
Like Acuña, Ozzie Albies didn’t play the whole decade, but when he arrived, he made sure people took notice. Debuting in 2017, Albies brought energy, speed, and sneaky power. By the end of the 2010s, he had two 24+ HR seasons and over 40 doubles in both 2018 and 2019. A switch-hitter with swagger, Albies added balance and joy to a young, rising team.
9. Dan Uggla – The Power Experiment
Okay, so this one might raise some eyebrows—but hear me out. From 2011 to 2013, Dan Uggla hit 79 home runs for the Braves. Yes, the batting average tanked (.209 in 2012, yikes), but he also had that 33-game hitting streak in 2011 and gave Atlanta a much-needed power bat during a transitional period. Not a long run, but definitely a loud one.
10. Mike Foltynewicz – The Flame-Throwing Wild Card
When Folty was on, he was on. His 2018 season—2.85 ERA, 202 strikeouts, All-Star nod—was elite. Yes, the inconsistency and eventual 2020 flameout hurt his legacy, but through the late 2010s, he was a key part of Atlanta’s rotation resurgence. When he was locked in, the guy was flat-out filthy.
Honorable Mentions That Just Missed the Cut
There are a few names that deserve some love, even if they didn’t crack the top 10. Alex Wood was a solid rotation arm from 2013 to 2015. Tommy Hanson (rest in peace) gave the Braves some quality innings before his tragic passing. Martin Prado brought hustle and versatility. And Evan Gattis? Moonshots and mutton chops, baby.
The Legacy of the 2010s Braves
The 2010s were a tale of two halves: early playoff appearances followed by a full rebuild, then a youth-driven resurgence. Through it all, players like Freeman and Kimbrel gave fans something to cheer about, while newcomers like Acuña and Albies set the stage for the dominant 2020s run that would soon follow. The decade wasn’t always pretty—but man, it was never boring.
There you have it—10 names (plus a few more) that shaped a wild decade of Atlanta Braves baseball. Whether you were there for every pitch or just caught the highlights, these players gave Braves Country something to remember.
