Atlanta Braves third option

GMs don’t believe in Moustakas

Today’s front office’s rely on a series of statistics to help them reach a decision and in spite of last year’s power and strikeout numbers, his history calls into question  just how productive he may be.

His best BAbip was .294 in his first year; he reached .290 once after that.

His highest OBP came in 2015; .348.  Aside from that and a .314 last season, reaching .300 in a full season’s been a struggle.

A 20 homer bat through his career, his 38 last year make some wonder if he can sustain that productions.

His wRC+ exceeded 100 (average) twice in full seasons played and reach 90 only once in the other four full seasons played. UZR said his defense was down last year but okay before that.  DRS says he was really good before his injury which could lead to the decision that he’s lost mobility.

In the old days Gm’s would have smiled at Moose, now the stats guys point out the problems beneath his numbers.

The Boras factor

Scot Boras advises his clients not to accept an extension. Instead they should allow him to bring them a big payday when they go to free agency. To that end he lets players stay on the market until January so owners and GMs get restless and give in.

When that fails he calls one of the owners he knows he can convince to make a deal and suddenly they over pay.  This year is different.

The market still has 100+ free agents available as spring training approaches. Owners are allowing GMs to do their job and make sound business decision.  In other words, his tactics aren’t working this year.

Instead of convincing GMs to give Moustakas five years and $85M, he’ll be trying his best to get a contract with an opt-out or perhaps a pillow contract. His problem; he has no leverage and no team with a genuine need. Well, accept perhaps the Atlanta Braves.

With all of those negatives, why would the Braves go Moose hunting?