"Everybody overlooks this dude" - MLB analyst names surprising 'key guy' in Braves’ star-studded roster ft. Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, and more

The Atlanta Braves look in a strong position for the upcoming season after a tame end to a highly challenging campaign last year. The 2021 World Series champions can be optimistic about their chances next season as several key players are set to return to the team from the IL. Meanwhile, they also added outfielder Jurickson Profar to their roster earlier this week.

Former All-Star Harold Reynolds considers second baseman Ozzie Albies to be the most integral component of the Atlanta Braves lineup, even though he doesn't garner the same attention as some of their All-Stars, such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson. Reynolds feels Albies remains a consistent performer whenever he plays, while his versatility as a hitter complements the rest of the lineup.

Harold Reynolds was a two-time All-Star second baseman for the Seattle Mariners in the 1980s. He has been a part of MLB Network for over a decade. Reynolds gave his thoughts regarding the Braves lineup for 2025 on MLB Hot Stove this Friday.

"The key guy for me is Ozzie Albies," he said. "Everybody overlooks this dude. Every year you can book him. By the All-Star break he's going to have 20-something homers. He's going to play every day.

"And he hits right down the middle of that lineup," Reynolds added. "Two, three, five; you can put him anywhere. A switch-hitter. He doesn't drop off. That's the key for me."

Albies had a disappointing, injury-marred 2024 season and played just 99 games for the Braves. He landed on the 10-day IL with a fractured toe in April before missing eight weeks of the season after injuring his left wrist.

The key for Jurickson Profar is how much will he play: Harold Reynolds on new Braves signing

Jurickson Profar earned a maiden All-Star selection in his 11th MLB season (Image Source: Imagn)

On Thursday, the Atlanta Braves added journeyman outfielder Jurickson Profar to their roster after completing a three-year, $42 million contract for his services. Profar enjoyed a breakthrough season last year after bouncing from team to team as a bit-part utility player for almost his entire career.

Harold Reynolds offered his perspective on the addition.

"The key for Profar is, how much will he play? Those numbers came because he played every day in the outfield," he said. "If they utility him, then he's only playing four or five games a week. It's hard to stay as sharp as he was in that role."

Jurickson Profar hit .280/.380/.459 for the San Diego Padres during the regular season last year, with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 134.