How the Atlanta Braves trade Nick Markakis
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves want to open a corner outfield spot this winter for Ronald Acuna. Both veterans appear hard to trade but where there’s a will there’s a way.
The Atlanta Braves signed Nick Markakis to be a stabilizing force on the team during the rebuilding years. He came with no expectation of post season play, bonuses or glory and provided leadership to a team in flux.
Times change. Now the Braves would like to trade ‘Kakes’ to make room for their young superstar in the making; most fans believe that’s a tall order.
Trading Nick Markakis
Atlanta Braves fans are divided over Markakis; some love him some see him as an underperforming roadblock to a better team. Like all things, the truth lies somewhere between those extremes
Gold Glove aside, at his best Markakis provided slightly above average defense. He took good routes to make up for a lack of speed and positioned himself well so he rarely got exposed on fly balls. His above average (not plus) arm and technique improved his chances of throwing out runners who challenged him. That was then.
Kakes turns 34 in a month. My dad would have generously said, “Kakes runs as well as he always did, it just takes him longer to get there.”
He still positions himself well, plays within his capabilities and catches everything near him. However, a lot of balls aren’t near him.
The arm now ranks below average, a major issue for a right fielder. He still racked up six outfield assists last season; technique and experience cover up a multitude of sins.
At the plate Nick continues to get on base at a .350 clip and carry a .270 average. However, he provides only accidental power; mostly via doubles although he did run into eight home runs this season.
And. . . he earns $11M next year. All of that sounds depressing; what’s the upside?