Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: If they buy, what could it be?

Atlanta Braves Offensive numbers, the Oufield

Atlanta Braves Left Fielders

Kelly Johnson- .792 OPS against RHP

Jonny Gomes- .839 OPS against LHP

Upgrade Left Field-  The bad part of this is the underlying fact that Eury Perez is seeing the bulk of the starts in LF and one has to wonder if the Braves have finally given up on Jonny Gomes in the field (he’s been bad for years). This could only be due to KJ getting the bulk amount of starts at 1b due to Freeman’s absence, and the platoon goes back to normal once Freeman returns but only time knows. If the Braves can trade from surplus to upgrade LF for many years to come, this is a no-brainer. Yes!  However, don’t expect the newcomer to outpace the above 2’s offensive production.

Atlanta Braves Center Fielders

Cameron Maybin– overall .791 OPS

Upgrade Center Field?  Cameron’s still not grading out defensively and that’s a bit of a head-scratcher for me, but it’s likely not possible to upgrade his offensive production at his position. This article from Fangraphs discusses the dilemma with Maybin’s offensive surge and comes to the conclusion that all but the elevated BABIP (.030 points higher than his career norms) seem legit.  If the Braves want to compete for this year, keeping Maybin in CF is likely the smart move.

Atlanta Braves Right Fielders

Nick Markakis– overall .739 OPS

Upgrade Right Field?  0 home runs. 0 home runs for what is known as a power-strong position is unacceptable. However, that has never been Nick’s calling card.  Sporting a .381 OBP and providing Edmonds-esque defense (slow, but gets good reads and makes lots of diving catches), Markakis has provided value for this club. Markakis will likely be worth his contract this year, which is 11MM/year for 4 years, but that likelihood greatly decreases over the course of the contract.  My answer to this?  Yes.  If the Braves can rid themselves of the money owed to Markakis and go buy a power-hitting RFer that could man the position for a few years, they should make it happen.

Overall Evaluation– The least likely move of them all could be the one that the Braves really need to consider.  Markakis has a great on-base percentage and that would look great for a team that had a balance of that and pop. Unfortunately, the Braves are not a balanced club and could really use a few extra dingers in the lineup.  If the Braves are buyers, the corner OF positions would be the most obvious upgrades.

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