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After Markakis, what’s next for the Braves?

By Matthew Browning

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 2: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by teammates after scoring an eighth inning run against the Pittsburgh Pirates at SunTrust Park on September 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 2: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by teammates after scoring an eighth inning run against the Pittsburgh Pirates at SunTrust Park on September 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 26: Joc Pedderson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a third inning home run against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

1. Add more power

It’s been speculated over and over and over (and probably over again) the connection of J.T. Realmuto to the Braves, although it’s been relatively quiet recently.

The desire for the open outfield spot, before Markakis resigned, was to have a power-hitter to protect Freddie Freeman.

‘Kakes isn’t that, but Realmuto would be.

Yes, it would be a third catcher on the roster, but perhaps Tyler Flowers could be moved in the deal or something separate.

Realmuto will make $5.9 million next year in his second year of arbitration, so that number doesn’t make much of a dent to the funds currently available.

Even with the Markakis signing, there is still some speculation that the Braves are looking for additional outfield help.

Paul Crane of 92.9 The Game tweeted last night that the Braves and Dodgers were talking about Joc Pederson.

Let’s not forget that Crane accurately reported the Braves interest in Markakis was only a one-year deal, so could he be right again?

Yes, Anthopoulos yesterday said Markakis was signed to be an everyday outfielder, but if something came along that was better, a $4 million veteran bench piece is not a bad thing.

Plus, A.A. preaches depth and we saw what Dodgers did with their depth last October.

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