Freeman putting together MVP stats in breakout year

ATLANTA — Freddie Freeman came to Spring Training not knowing exactly what to expect from his right wrist, which plagued him much of last year and then severely limited his preparations this past winter. But as this season has progressed, the Braves’ first baseman has produced the best power numbers of his career and compiled legitimate National League Most Valuable Player credentials while playing for a last-place team.

As frustrating as this season might have been for the Braves, it would have undoubtedly been much worse without the exploits produced by Freeman, who notched the first 30-homer season of his career and recorded his 500th career RBI during Tuesday night’s 7-5 loss to the Marlins at Turner Field.

“I didn’t really think [hitting 30 homers] would happen, especially after the start [of the season] and obviously coming off an injury. You don’t know how it’s going to hold up,” Freeman said. “Just to stay healthy for a whole year is a big enough accomplishment for me. It just eases everything for me going forward into my career.”

Having just celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday, Freeman is surging into what might be his prime with the confidence he has gained while hitting …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com