The Atlanta Braves have begun to shake the roster up this off-season. In a trade that sent Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals, there are some things that need to be addressed. One of the main things that needs to be addressed is right field; it only makes sense the Braves should be interested in free agent, Nick Markakis. They would be replacing a two-time Golden Glove winner with a two-time Golden Glove winner, and their stats are pretty similar. Both players don’t draw very many walks; they don’t strikeout very often, but Markakis has a consistently higher batting average, and a rocket for an arm.
John Heyman of CBS reported the story that the Braves, among others were interested in the 31-year-old free agent, earlier.
braves, blue jays, giants (& of course o's) are among those in the new markakis market. http://t.co/9D7vX4fjle
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 2, 2014
Markakis is drawing interest from a few clubs around the league, including the New York Yankees, so if it comes down to money, the Yankees would more than likely be the choice over Atlanta. It’s almost imperative that the Braves sign an outfielder with a good glove that can hit, especially since they lost Heyward and also in the event they lose Justin Upton. It’s been talked about that the Braves plan on making Christian Bethancourt the everyday catcher, which would put Evan Gattis in the outfield, which the Braves shouldn’t do.
Markakis had a batting line last season of .276/.342/.386, which isn’t great, but it’s decent. Signing him to long-term deal would make sense, especially since it’s vital they improve the hitting of their outfield, also especially since BJ Upton has a few years left on his contract. Markakis and the Braves would be a great marriage, if they have the opportunity to get him, it should be a no-brainer.
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