The 2000s weren’t quite as dominant as the ’90s for the Atlanta Braves, but don’t get it twisted—plenty of talent still lit up Turner Field. From the legends who stuck around to the new guys making names for themselves, the Braves remained a force in the National League for much of the decade. Here’s a look at the 15 players who stood out the most between 2000 and 2009.
15. Johnny Estrada – The Underrated Backstop
Estrada only spent two full seasons in Atlanta, but his 2004 All-Star campaign was a gem. That year, he hit .314 with nine homers and 76 RBI while handling a talented pitching staff with poise. He was a key part of the Braves’ final division title in their 14-year streak. He was understated but rock-solid behind the plate.
14. Julio Franco – The Ageless Wonder
Do you want longevity? Franco was 46 years old when he hit .309 for the Braves in 2004. Used mostly as a platoon first baseman and pinch hitter, he became a fan favorite for his quirky batting stance and father-figure presence in the dugout. And let’s be honest—he was probably more fit than half the guys 20 years younger.
13. Tim Hudson – The Bulldog Arrives
Acquired in a blockbuster trade from Oakland in 2005, Hudson quickly became the ace of the post-Maddux/Glavine era. In 2007, he went 16–10 with a 3.33 ERA and reestablished his dominance after a rocky 2006. Injuries slowed his rise, but his grit and sinker kept him valuable all decade long. A warrior on the bump.
12. Kevin Millwood – The Quiet Workhorse
Millwood often got overshadowed by the Big Three, but he was a consistent presence early in the decade. He posted an 18–8 record in 2002 with a 3.24 ERA and gave the Braves critical depth and carried the load when others were injured. He was underappreciated but essential.
11. Gary Sheffield – The Laser Show
Sheffield only played two seasons in Atlanta (2002–2003), but he definitely left a mark on the city. He smashed 64 home runs and drove in 216 runs during that span, including a .330 average in 2003. His bat speed was legendary, and he was terrifying when he was locked in. He had a short tenure but a massive impact.
10. Marcus Giles – The Power Second Baseman
In 2003, Giles hit .316 with 21 HRs, 49 doubles, and 101 runs scored, earning an All-Star spot. Though injuries cut his peak short, he was one of the most exciting and productive second basemen in the league for a few years. High motor, high output.
9. John Smoltz – Still Dealing
While Smoltz made his name in the ’90s, don’t forget—he reinvented himself in the 2000s. After transitioning to closer (2001–2004), he saved 154 games, then moved back to the rotation and posted a 44–24 record from 2005–2007. He struck out over 200 batters in 2006 at age 39. Talk about aging like fine wine.
8. Javy Lopez – One Last Monster Season
Lopez’s 2003 campaign was one for the ages: .328 average, 43 HR, 109 RBI, and a 1.065 OPS. That earned him a Silver Slugger and third place in the NL MVP voting. It was the perfect send-off to his Braves tenure and one of a catcher’s best offensive seasons ever. Yes, ever.
7. Mark Teixeira – The Mid-Season Thunder
Teixeira only played 157 games for Atlanta (mid-2007 through mid-2008), but his bat made plenty of noise. He hit 37 HRs, drove in 134 runs, and walked 94 times during that span. His switch-hitting power and elite glove made him a complete package. If only the stint had lasted longer.
6. Rafael Furcal – Speed and Swagger
As the 2000 NL Rookie of the Year, Furcal brought lightning to the top of the order. He swiped 189 bases during the decade with a mix of speed, flair, and defense. He had three seasons with 100+ runs and was one of the game’s most disruptive leadoff hitters. A tone-setter with personality.
5. Brian McCann – The New Face Behind the Plate
McCann debuted in 2005 and instantly became a fan favorite. From 2005–2009, he hit .291 with 77 home runs and earned four All-Star selections. He was clutch and smart and took over leadership duties behind the plate from the moment he arrived. The next-gen catcher Atlanta had hoped for—and then some.
4. Andruw Jones – The Defensive Dynamo
Even as his bat cooled, Andruw remained one of the most feared center fielders in the game. He won all ten of his Gold Gloves from 1998–2007 and led the league in HRs (51) and RBI (128) in 2005. Though his batting average dipped, his power and defense more than carried his value. A human highlight reel every night. Many say he should be in the Hall of Fame, Chipper Jones definitely thinks so.
3. Tom Glavine – The Return of the Legend
After departing in 2002, Glavine came back for a curtain call in 2008. But before that, he won 42 games for Atlanta in the early 2000s and made an All-Star team in 2002. Even as his stuff declined, his smarts never did. His return brought everything full circle.
2. Greg Maddux – The Final Chapters of Greatness
Maddux left after 2003, but he was still a machine in those first few years. From 2000–2003, he went 61–36 with a 3.48 ERA and was still walking almost no one—just 1.4 BB/9. He won a Gold Glove every year of the decade he played. Precision over power, always.
1. Chipper Jones – The Braves Cornerstone
No surprise here. Chipper was the guy in Atlanta throughout the 2000s—six All-Star appearances, an NL batting title in 2008 (.364), and 240 HRs from 2000–2009. He was the steady hand through roster changes, the postseason constant, and the best switch-hitter in the game. The face of the franchise, full stop.
While the 2000’s did not feel quite like the same dynasty at the 1990’s, those years were still packed with unforgettable Braves players who all left their mark on the people and the city of Atlanta.
