Former MLB GM Jim Bowden joined Dukes & Bell and talked about this being a potential breakout year for one young Braves slugger.
Bowden talked about what he expects from Austin Riley this season.
“I have an article going up, probably going to come out on Monday for my breakout players of ’21. Austin Riley makes the list,” Bowden said. “I said when I saw him in the minor leagues a few years ago, I said he’s Troy Glaus the former Angel. You’re not going to have a lot of average but you’re going to get 40 bombs from him and he’s a better defender at third than you think.”
Glaus was a four-time All-Star with two 40-home run seasons. He also drove in 100 or more runs four times in his 13-year career and twice more eclipsed 96.
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“Braves fans haven’t seen him yet, he’s only 23," continued Bowden. "Now he gets his shot. I think you’re going to see him break out this year. You’re going to see a lot of home runs in the bottom of that lineup for Atlanta. Yeah, I’m in.”