Leadoff: Poll shows Freeman in big early lead for NL MVP

Freddie Freeman is among Atlanta's best hitters.

If the 2018 National League MVP trophy were handed out this week, which of course it won't be, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman would win it in a runaway.

At least that's the conclusion of MLB.com's latest poll of Baseball Writers Association of America members, published Tuesday.

Freeman received 117 of a possible 140 points and 21 of 28 first-place votes for NL MVP in the poll, putting him far ahead of his nearest challenger, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who received 55 points and two first-place votes.

"Because Atlanta hasn't been to the postseason since 2013, Freeman at times got overlooked in the conversation regarding baseball's best players," MLB.com's Richard Justice wrote. "He's performing only a bit better than he has in recent seasons, but the Braves have surrounded him with talent that has put a spotlight on his greatness."

Only three Braves players have won the MVP award since the team moved to Atlanta – Dale Murphy in 1982 and 1983, Terry Pendleton in 1991 and Chipper Jones in 1999.

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The Braves complete a six-game homestand with a 12:10 p.m. game Wednesday against the Reds. As usual for non-holiday weekday afternoon games at SunTrust Park, parking will be limited.

The team issued a reminder that all parking lots will be permit-only, meaning fans must pre-purchase passes, and that as of Tuesday the only lots still available for pre-purchase were at North Atlanta High School (lot East 68) and at Cumberland Community Church.

The Braves are 2-3 on the homestand thus far, with two losses in three games to the Orioles over the weekend and a split of the first two games against the Reds.

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TODAY’S LEADOFF LINKS

> The Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee announced a community engagement initiative aimed at creating a lasting legacy from the big game's visit here next year. See details here.

> The Hawks' plan for newly drafted point guard Trae Young during summer league play is to "allow him to be Trae." See Michael Cunningham's story here. 

> Jeff Schultz writes that the Braves are showing what's possible when a team doesn't think, "It's over." Read his column here.