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Best Move for the Atlanta Braves for 2017?

By Brandon Woodworth

Aug 7, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) celebrates with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after scoring during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) celebrates with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after scoring during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) connects for a two run homer during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Park. The Cardinals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) connects for a two run homer during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Park. The Cardinals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Old friend Martin Prado is quietly having a remarkable season.  He’s currently behind only Arizona second baseman Jean Segura for the most hits in the National League, and is currently sporting a career best batting line of .326/.377/.446.  Usually a model of consistency, Prado has stepped his offensive production up another level just in time to hit free agency.  And don’t think he won’t look to cash that in.

But as most could easily point out, Martin Prado is quickly approaching 33 years old, so expecting him to continue this level of production is being very optimistic.  This could make it harder for the Braves to sign Prado, despite the amount of money they will have to spend, as they likely don’t want to overpay for someone who likely hit around the .284/.331/.409 average he compiled from the 2013-15 seasons rather than compete for the batting title.  But obviously that line is still good production, especially at a position the Braves lack depth in (next year currently looks to be a combination of Adonis Garcia and Rio Ruiz).  Prado also still plays a heck of a third base, as he has compiled 19 DRS there since he has left the Braves.  It should also be noted that Prado could theoretically provide serviceable, even if not outstanding, innings in left field, second base, and even first base.  He hasn’t played much of any of those positions since 2013, but it is possible.

Will familiarity, consistency, and versatility make it easier to sign Prado, who looks to earn somewhere in the $12-14M (and that’s being cautious) annually over three to four years on the open market?  Will it be worth it, and will it help the Braves to most?  Or does this next third baseman provide more bang for the buck?

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