We are still very early in the month of May, but much like last year, Atlanta Braves Right Fielder Nick Markakis looks to be locked in. Are we heading down that same road?
2018 turned out to be a huge year for Nick Markakis. He earned his first all star berth and also went on to win a silver slugger and a gold glove for the Atlanta Braves. Much of that can be attributed to his torrid month of May last year.
A quick recap of Markakis month of May in 2018.
- .362 Batting Average
- .397 OBP
- .534 SLG %
- .931 OPS
- .382 BABIP
- 3 HR
- 20 RBI
- 11 Doubles
After a quick glance at those, it is easy to see why Markakis went on to win the awards he won and get the recognition he received.
Now, before we get to his 2019 numbers, let’s do address that he did fall off a cliff in the 2nd half last year. Maybe that was because he played every day, maybe it wasn’t?
When news that the Braves resigned Markakis late in the 2018-2019 off-season, it was met with mixed reviews from Braves fans. Some ranging from the absolute hatred of it, to some jumping with joy at the idea that we signed him back at such a low cost.
I myself will admit, I was against resigning Markakis back and I was in the camp aiming higher. I will also admit I was wrong so far.
I think many Braves fans might be a tad surprised at what player on the Braves has the highest WAR so far this year. It’s not Ronald Acuna, it’s not Freddie Freeman, it’s not Ozzie Albies.
So far it is indeed Nick Markakis.
If Nick can keep up his current pace throughout the summer (where im sure in the Georgia heat, he will get a few days off this time around) he will be the biggest bargain of the past offseason.
If Nick’s early numbers from May are any indication, we may be in line for a bigger May this year from him.
- .333 BA
- .520 OBP
- .722 SLG %
- 1.242 OPS
- 2 HR
Gaudy numbers no doubt, let’s hope I am not regretting this piece in 3 months time. I hope I was wrong this past winter and the Braves did the right thing by resigning Markakis. What are your thoughts? Let us know below.