Atlanta Braves: Where can they bolster the bench?

Worth a Look

The following players would seem to be far-fetched options for the Braves’ bench, even if they received the opportunity to play four or five times a week.

But when Eduardo Escobar signs a three-year deal with Arizona, in what at this time appears to be a utility role, it gives me at least some hope that the Braves could sign a similar player.

JED!

Jed Lowrie was nearly a five win player last year for the A’s, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 99 runs.

Since joining Oakland, Lowrie has played predominantly second base, but he has experience all over the infield throughout his ten-year career.

The switch-hitter turns 35 next April and his 23 bombs were a career-best. The numbers suggest he’s a slightly above average defender, but his age brings into question the decline with the glove.

In 2015, Lowrie signed a three-year deal worth 23 million that included a team option for 2018.

Injuries plagued him in ’15 and ’16, but he played over 150 games in ’17 and ’18.

Lowrie’s ability to play shortstop makes him an interesting option as a super-utility guy.

MARWIN

The same can be said for Marwin Gonzalez, who is coming off a down year for the Astros, where he hit only 16 home runs, with a modest OPS+ of 103.

In 2017, Gonzalez hit 23 homers, while hitting .303 and getting on base at a .377 clip. He played every position last season, with the most time being spent in left field.

Gonzalez compiled 489 plate appearances as a super-utility guy for Houston, but being only 29-years-old and entering free agency for the first time, Gonzalez will be looking to cash in as much as possible as a starter.

…and there’s the rub:  cost vs. playing time.  The first team to view him more as an everyday player could land him.

CABRERA

Lastly, is the steady veteran Asdrubal Cabrera, who split his 2018 season with the Mets and Phillies, where he hit 23 home runs and 75 runs batted in.

But like Lowrie, Cabrera isn’t exactly young and his defense is declining, according to the metrics.

He turns 33 in November and is coming off a three-year deal he signed with the Mets. After hitting 60 homers over the past three seasons, it’s reasonable to assume Cabrera will get close to the same type of money with his next deal.

More Options

There are lesser free agents that will be available that make sense and offer upgrades over the current options of Ruiz or Tucker.

Here are the possibilities:

• Curtis Granderson is 38-years-old but he still hit 13 home runs with the Blue Jays and the Brewers and would provide a left-handed bat the bench needs.
• While Jon Jay doesn’t have the pop of Granderson, the left-handed veteran hit .307 in 266 plate appearances for the Royals before being traded to Arizona in June. He can play all three outfield spots.
• Similar to Marwin Gonzalez, Daniel Descalso played all over the diamond for Arizona last year. He would be a left-handed equivalent to Culberson.

There are also interesting trade candidates and like free agency, some are more appealing than others, but could cost a decent amount in return.