With a one-year contract for Nick Markakis, the Atlanta Braves will be looking for an outfielder again next offseason. Who will be available?
It was entertaining, to say the least, reading all the comments on all types of social media yesterday after the Atlanta Braves announced the re-signing of veteran outfielder Nick Markakis. By now you know the deal was a 1 year deal worth $4 million and a club option for 2020. With all that being said, let’s dive in and see what outfielders COULD interest the Braves in free agency next winter.
Top of the Class
Starting off with the best players who have a chance to hit the market after the 2019 season. Obviously, keep in mind that not every one of these players will make it to free agency due to potential in-season extensions and/or options that can be picked up, but let’s look none the less.
JD Martinez
Let’s just cut right to the chase – this one is an extreme longshot for so many reasons. First off, I don’t think any team trusts J.D. Martinez to play defense for 81 games much less around the 120 or so the Braves would need him to play. His numbers aren’t bad, but there is a reason more NL teams didn’t try and sign him after 2017.
It would be a lot easier to see JD in a Braves jersey if MLB would adopt the DH rule in the NL and make it fairer for NL teams, but that’s an article for another day.
Martinez can opt out of his current deal after any of the next 3 seasons. He is scheduled to make $23.75 million next year. I tend to think he can do better on the open market, especially considering his deal goes down to $19.35 million in 2021 and 2022. Bottom line is that I think JD and the Red Sox restructure his contract and work out something long term.
Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna didn’t have quite the numbers in his first year in St. Louis as he’d previously produced. He did battle injuries and yet still produced quality numbers, however. Ozuna will still be in his 20’s when he hits the open market after this season, so whatever team signs him could still be getting a few of his prime years.
It’s hard to put a figure on what Ozuna could possibly make in this day and age with free agency being completely different than what it was 3 years ago. I can tell you he is scheduled to make $12.25 million in his last arbitration season this year.
Historically, Ozuna has been a productive player that doesn’t really have any weaknesses that will hurt a club. I think if the Atlanta Braves decide to go after him, it would be a wise move.
Starling
Marte
Even after the signing of Markakis, some whispers of the Atlanta Braves and Pirates working on a trade still remain. Marte could be in those talks or the Braves could be simply asking about some Pittsburgh relief options.
Starling Marte has been extremely productive in the steel city the past few seasons. Some people will remember he was suspended in 2017 for PED use, but he seemed to get past that and carry on about his business.
This one is a little tricky to peg financially as well. Marte has a club option valued at $11.5 million after the upcoming season that also carries a $2 million buyout, so essentially a $9.5 million dollar question is whether the Pirates will exercise that option.
There are probably 20 teams who this would be a no brainer for, but the Pirates aren’t one of them. I tend to lean towards them exercising it, but it will be something for Braves fans to pay attention too.