The first half of the 2016 season has come to an end. With first half play wrapping up yesterday, lets take a look at the first half for the Atlanta Braves.

Braves 2016 Midseason Report

The Braves have finished the first half with a 31-58 record, and conclude the first half in last place in the National League East. They will open second half play 22.5 games back of the Washington Nationals, who have a six game lead over the New York Mets. Not the hottest of starts. They are tied with the Minnesota Twins for the least amount of wins with 31.

Biggest Surprise

The biggest surprise for the Braves this year would have to be Jace Peterson. He got off to a slow start this year. After his average didn’t even break .200, the Braves sent him down to their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves. He struggled there as well. Atlanta then brought him back up to the big league club in what was considered a questionable move, seeing as how he struggled in AAA. But when the big league club called again, Peterson answered in a big way. He compiled the Braves longest hitting streak of the season, and boosted his batting average to around .290. It’s come down a little since that hitting streak ended, but for him to have increase his average and overall play the way he did, in such a short time, says a lot.

Biggest Disappointment

The biggest disappointment in the first half for the Braves is definitely Erick Aybar. He was part of the return the Braves got for Andrelton Simmons, and he’s been nothing short of horrible. He booted his first defensive chance as a Brave on opening day, and it’s just gotten worse since. His batting average has struggled to break the .210 mark, and his defensive play had gotten worse by the game. He just recently hit his first home run against the Philadelphia Phillies. On the bright side for Braves fans, Andrelton Simmons hasn’t done much this year, either.

Midseason Co-MVPs

In the first half of the season, the Braves have been fueled by Julio Teheran and Freddie Freeman. Teheran is the lone All-Star on the Braves roster, as he has been nothing short of spectacular. Look past his record, and he’s been stellar. He posted a first half ERA of 2.96 in 18 games.

Freddie Freeman is also having a stellar year, and could easily make one’s “Top Five First Baseman” list in the National League. He finished the first half with a .286 bating average, 16 home runs, and 34 RBI. That’s more than good enough to earn co-MVP honors for the Braves in the first half.

 What To Watch For in the Second Half

Going into the second half, there are a few guys that you should keep your eye on. Freddie Freeman is going to continue to do Freddie Freeman things, so let’s focus on some other guys. .

First up is Ender Inciarte. He was plagued early on by an injury, as it derailed his early 2016 campaign. He’s shown flashes since returning from the disabled list, but hasn’t quite gotten back to his expected form. If he can stay healthy in the second half, you may see a much improved Inciarte in the second half.

Then there is Mallex Smith. Even though he is on the DL as of right now, the youngster has shown flashes of being a solid ballplayer. He led the team in stolen bases with 14, even though he has had some problems getting adjusted to Major League base-paths. Even though he’ll be out for a little while longer, he should return by at least mid-August. With that said, look for him to continue to produce when he finally does return.

Pitching wise, watch for the trio of Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler and Mike Foltynewicz. They seem to be the three that are concrete in the rotation. Teheran will more than likely produce in the second half, and may even get better. Also, he isn’t going anywhere. He’s going to be an Atlanta Brave for a while. Wisler and Folty are the two that could really cement a spot in the 2017 rotation if they pitch well in the second half. They both have very high ceilings and it will be interesting to see what they accomplish.

The Biggest Unknown

The biggest unknown has to be the farm system. With so many good players waiting in the wings, look for a couple of them to be called up to the big leagues. Even though it’s obviously not clear who will be at the big league level for the Braves this year, expect Atlanta to make one if not more call ups later on into the season. With the Braves moving north to Cobb County in 2017, they will probably take a look at a few guys down on the farm, to see what they may have. Not naming names, but there are a couple of prospects that could see action at the Ted late this summer. But that’s a very big could.

Back To The Present

Don’t expect too much out of Atlanta in the second half. They may play well, but they are in the middle of a huge renovation. They won’t compete this year, but seeing the production they have gotten from some players, don’t be surprised if they play well in the second half. The schedule this half is much easier than the first, so that could make life easier on the Bravos, and in turn, lead to more second half wins. The Braves will open the second half at the Ted on July 15, against the Colorado Rockies. With 34 home games remaining at Turner Field, only time will tell what’s in store for the Braves in the second half of the season.

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