Atlanta Braves: Could extending Nick Markakis short-term be their best option?
Braves’ right fielder Nick Markakis is in the final season of a 4-year contract signed before the 2014 season. However, despite being 34-years-old, his hometown club should consider resigning the battle-tested veteran after the 2018 season.
As beautiful as it sounds that free-agent to be Bryce Harper could fill the right field position for the Atlanta Braves, this isn’t likely due to the hefty pay-day that the 25-year-old will accumulate heading into his prime. Others think so too:
Dear 63k followers, even you bots and Russian trolls, please pin this Tweet. Bryce Harper will go to one of four teams next year, and only one of these four teams: #yankees, #dodgers, #cubs, #nationals. And maybe the hometown #goldenknights If he chooses to play hockey. https://t.co/2d1ByCukrm
— Henry Schulman BLUE CHECK MARK (@hankschulman) April 24, 2018
Other possible free-agent outfield options include A.J. Pollock, Marwin Gonzalez (switch-hitter), Adam Jones and Andrew McCutchen, who all could help fill the needed right-handed presence in the middle of the lineup. But, so may the much cheaper option in prospect Ronald Acuna Jr.
Despite the slow start in Triple-A, the 20-year-old is on the way…soon. Plugging the left field phenom into the lineup will bring added length to a group that ranks 4th and 5th respectively in runs scored and on-base percentage through 21 games.
However, consider that Markakis’ .301 average, .385 OBP and 14 RBI’s on the year are very respectable for a .288 career hitter that has gained two Gold Gloves over a 13-year resume. While playing solid defense, the timely-hitting professional with a veteran make-up brings a much-needed leader in a locker room full of talented youngsters.
Notably, these youngsters have been accumulating over the course of Atlanta’s rebuild that Markakis fully signed up for on Dec. 3, 2014; he deserves a chance to be around as the rebuild turns into competing.
Filling RF Might Be Tough
I’m not saying sign him long-term, but inking an additional one or two year deal wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for a team that has a couple of other – and more pressing – needs.
These needs include a front-line ace and bullpen help. I understand entirely that third base isn’t nailed-down for 2018-2019 either, but top-prospect (currently in Double-A), Austin Riley continues to appear as the long-term option at the position, perhaps sometime in 2019.
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So, back to my thought of helping the pitching department, a proven go-to, bona fide ace has been a necessity in the organization since John Smoltz in the mid-2000s.
Clayton Kershaw will hit the free-agent market after this season, but don’t expect him to leave Los Angeles. If Atlanta wante to find an ace to pair with Julio Teheran (potentially), Mike Foltynewicz, Sean Newcomb, Luiz Gohara and Mike Soroka (among others moving forward), it would enhance the chances of Atlanta running for a potential divisional crown in 2019 and beyond.
Lastly, quality veteran bullpen depth will be critical moving forward for a group that has been up-and-down through the first three weeks of the season. A stabilizer I could see coming to Atlanta for his second go-around is upcoming free-agent, Craig Kimbrel.
The six-time All-Star has yet to allow a run in eight appearances for Boston this season coming off of a 35-save campaign last year. Putting together 185 saves from 2011-2014 with the Braves, he became one of the faces of the franchise and fan-favorites in his dominant run as the teams’ closer.
Such a reunion can be a possibility for the 29-year-old if the organization is willing to open the wallet.
These are just a couple of solutions that can improve the rest of the club upon resigning Markakis, who has been nothing but loyal and consistent in his time for this team.
The lefty doesn’t bring the home run scare that a lot of people want from a corner outfielder, but every year you can pencil the guy in for at least a .280 average, clutch base-hitting ability with runners on, and a tough at-bat.
Next: Gohara continues to progress.
Is that not enough? Surround this man with talent, plug some holes that are more apparent and see what the stable right fielder could do for a winning team. The future is bright in the ATL, and Markakis deserves an opportunity to stick around and help make this team a contender.