Atlanta Braves 2019 Free Agency Preview: Outfield
By Kyle Walter
Desert Dweller
AJ Pollock is another player, like Brantley, who has a spotty injury history. His last full season was 2015 – which like Brantley’s 2014, was a fantastic year. Pollock hit .315 with 20 homers, a OBP of .367, and 39 steals. Where he separates himself with Brantley is with his defense. He won a gold glove in that 2015 season.
2015 was Pollock’s last real full season. In the years since he has played 11, 112, and 113 games. Due to this, I think he can be had at a value just like Brantley. At 30 he is also a younger option than Markakis.
The one reservation I have with Brantley is his defense. Due to the presence of 2 above average defensive outfielders (Inciarte and Acuña) I think his shortcomings could be somewhat covered up.
However, if the team adds Pollock instead, the defense could be at a new level of excellence. Due to Inciarte’s brilliance, it has been hard for anyone who isn’t him to win a gold glove in center field in the National League… yet Pollock owns one of those at the same position.
Pollock passes the eye test on offense and defense. Clips are from Fox Sports Arizona and twitter user big_inning.
AJ Pollock takes Mad-Bum deep on 1-2 pitch. @Dbacks lead 1-0 after 1st. https://t.co/wonbBGO0iY pic.twitter.com/iBWWOJ4AG8
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) August 27, 2017
Patrick Corbin, you'll be buying AJ Pollock a steak dinner tonight. pic.twitter.com/dJt0PRRtYT
— The Big Inning (@big_inning) April 18, 2018
The only reason I’ve ranked Brantley ahead of him is Brantley’s ability to consistently hit for average. Now, if Pollock can regain his 2015 form while remaining excellent in the field he would be a better choice overall than Brantley.
If he can be had at a discount I think he would be a great fit for the Braves to replace Markakis. Speaking of which………