Top 15 Best Atlanta Braves Players

When evaluating a player’s significance, the most informative metric is WAR, or wins above replacement. This analytical tool, which has become available relatively recently, considers all aspects of the game—batting, baserunning, fielding—along with position and ballpark factors. It determines how many wins a player contributes beyond an average player. Using WAR to guide our ranking, let’s delve into the top 15 best Atlanta Braves players. This team has undergone shifts, previously residing in Boston and Milwaukee before settling in Georgia.

Best Atlanta Braves Players: Hank Aaron 1954-1974 (142.5 WAR)

Hank Aaron’s time with the Braves spanned their Milwaukee years, during which he established many offensive records. A true powerhouse in the batter’s box, “Hammering Hank” recorded a remarkable .310/.377/.567 slash line with 733 home runs and 2202 RBIs across nearly 3100 games. His legacy persists with Major League records in RBI and total bases. Aaron’s achievements include 20 consecutive All-Star selections, the 1957 NL MVP award, three Gold Gloves, two batting titles, and a World Series championship. In 1982, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the Braves retired his iconic number 44 in 1977.

Kid Nichols 1890-1901 (107.2 WAR)

Kid Nichols, a lesser-known name, pitched for the Braves during their Boston Beaneaters era. Over 12 seasons, he secured 330 wins with a remarkable 3.00 ERA. Leading the Majors in wins from 1896 to 1898, Nichols completed 476 of 502 starts for the Beaneaters. The Old Timers Committee welcomed him into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

Warren Spahn 1942, 1946-1964 (99.3 WAR)

Warren Spahn, an eminent left-handed pitcher, graced the Braves for 20 seasons, split between Boston and Milwaukee. Over 714 games, he amassed 356 victories with a 3.05 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Spahn dominated, leading the league in wins eight times, securing two ERA titles, and earning 17 All-Star selections. His 1957 Cy Young win coincided with the Braves’ World Series triumph. A military service absence aside, Spahn’s Hall of Fame induction in 1973 was inevitable. His number 21 was retired in 1965.

Eddie Mathews 1952-1966 (94.1 WAR)

Third baseman Eddie Mathews holds a unique distinction, playing for the Braves in all three cities: Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. Over 15 years and 2,223 games, he achieved a .273/.379/.517 slash line with 493 home runs, 1388 RBIs, 338 doubles, and 70 triples. Mathews shone with 12 All-Star appearances, contributing to the Braves’ 1957 championship, and earning a 1978 Hall of Fame induction.

Phil Niekro 1964-1983, 1987 (88.5 WAR)

Knuckleballer Phil Niekro’s 21 of 25 seasons were spent with the Braves, where he became synonymous with the knuckleball pitch. Of his 318 career victories, 268 came with the Braves. Niekro also secured four All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves, and an ERA title. His Hall of Fame induction occurred in 1997, and the Braves retired his number 35.

Chipper Jones 1993, 1995-2012 (85.3 WAR)

Switch-hitting Larry ‘Chipper’ Jones emerged in 1995, winning a World Series ring in his rookie year. His 19-year tenure saw eight All-Star selections, 1999 NL MVP honors, a 2008 batting title (.364), and two Silver Slugger Awards. Jones’ 2018 Hall of Fame induction solidified his legacy. His number 10 is retired, and he’s second only to Hank Aaron in Braves offensive categories.

John Smoltz 1988-1999, 2001-2008 (69.5 WAR)

John Smoltz transitioned from minor leaguer to Braves star in 1987, shining as a starter, closer, and then starter again. Over 708 outings, he secured 210 wins, 154 saves, and a 3.26 ERA. Smoltz’s feats encompass eight All-Star nods, a Cy Young award, a 1995 World Series win, and a 2015 Hall of Fame induction. His number 29 was retired in 2012.

Greg Maddux 1993-2003 (67.3 WAR)

Greg Maddux became the Braves’ pitching leader in the 90s, joining in 1993. His Atlanta stint saw 194 wins, a 2.63 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP. Maddux clinched four ERA titles, three consecutive Cy Young awards, 10 Gold Gloves, and a key role in the 1995 World Series victory. Inducted in 2014, his number 31 was retired in 2009.

Tom Glavine 1987-2002, 2008 (63.6 WAR)

Tom Glavine, part of the Braves’ formidable pitching trio, spent most of his career with Atlanta. In 17 seasons, he secured 244 wins, two Cy Young awards, and an MVP title from the 1995 World Series. His 2014 Hall of Fame induction cemented his status, and his number 47 was retired in 2010.

Andruw Jones 1996-2007 (61.0 WAR)

Center fielder Andruw Jones marked his arrival in 1996 and was renowned for exceptional defense, winning 10 consecutive Gold Gloves. With 368 homers and five All-Star appearances, he left a lasting impact. Jones’ career continues, as his son was drafted by the Diamondbacks.

Dale Murphy 1976-1990 (47.2 WAR)

Dale Murphy’s versatility saw him excel at catcher, first base, and outfield. Over 15 seasons, he achieved a .268/.351/.478 line with 371 home runs, two MVP awards, four Silver Sluggers, and five Gold Gloves. Murphy’s consistency led to the retirement of his number three in 1994.

Freddie Freeman 2010-2021 (43.1 WAR)

Freddie Freeman, a recent departure from the Braves, solidified his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest. His .295/.384/.509 line, 271 home runs, and 2020 NL MVP award enhanced his contributions. Freeman’s crowning achievement was leading the Braves to a 2021 World Series victory, making his departure puzzling.

John Clarkson 1888-1892 (42.4 WAR)

Right-hander John Clarkson’s five-year span in the late 1800s saw remarkable feats, including 149 wins, a 2.82 ERA, and a pitching Triple Crown. His 72 complete games in 1889 reflect the different era of baseball. Clarkson’s Hall of Fame induction occurred in 1963.

Vic Willis 1898-1905 (42.1 WAR)

Vic Willis, another Boston Beaneaters legend, endured an impressive workload, pitching over 2500 innings in eight seasons. His stellar 2.82 ERA, 268 complete games, and 26 shutouts often defied his middling win-loss record. His Hall of Fame entry took place in 1995.

Jim Whitney 1881-1885 (41.6 WAR)

Lefty Jim Whitney’s contributions included pitching alongside periods of playing outfield and first base. His debut year saw 31 wins and a 2.48 ERA. Whitney achieved 102 more wins with the Boston Beaneaters before his career took a tragic turn with his early passing in 1891.

Tommy Bond 1877-1881 (40.1 WAR)

Tommy Bond’s legacy from 145 years ago boasts 149 wins, two ERA titles, and a 2.21 ERA. His exceptional feats included a pitching Triple Crown in 1877 and leading in wins and strikeouts. Bond remains a testament to the earlier days of baseball.

In conclusion, the best Atlanta Braves players is more than just an assemblage of impressive statistics and figures. It is a narrative of those who have crafted unforgettable moments in the annals of baseball history. They are not just stars on the field, but symbols of determination, effort, and passion for the sport.