Austin Riley: Atlanta's Rising Star
A Profile of the Braves' Slugging Third Baseman
Early Life and Career
Michael Austin Riley was born on April 2, 1997, in Madison, Mississippi. He attended DeSoto Central High School, where he was a standout baseball player. In 2015, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the MLB draft.
Riley made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2019 and quickly established himself as a force at the plate. In his first full season in 2020, he hit 19 home runs and drove in 54 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection.
Breakout Season and Accolades
In 2021, Riley had a breakout season, hitting 33 home runs, driving in 101 RBIs, and stealing 18 bases. He was named to the All-MLB First Team and finished seventh in the NL MVP voting.
Riley continued his strong play in 2022, earning his second All-Star selection and winning the Silver Slugger Award for best third baseman in the NL.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Riley is a power hitter with a strong arm and good fielding skills. He is also an excellent runner. However, he can be prone to strikeouts and his defense can be inconsistent at times.
Records and Future Outlook
In July 2022, Riley broke Hank Aaron's Braves record for most home runs in a month by a third baseman with 15. He is signed with the Braves through the 2026 season and is expected to be a key part of the team's success in the years to come.
Additional Information
- Riley is the first player in Braves history to hit 30 home runs and steal 10 bases in the same season.
- He is one of six players in MLB history to hit 30 home runs and steal 18 bases in a season.
- Riley is represented by agent Scott Boras.
- ESPN Profile
- MLB Profile
- Baseball Reference Profile
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