Atlanta Braves: 5 key factors to first half success in 2019

4. November 26th- Signing day

Many fans had high sights for the Braves and free agency last year. All the talk for a couple of years was the money we had available, and the Braves front office did nothing to fan those flames either- actually enticing the thoughts.

But it was in late November when the Braves basically started the free agent signing period signing both Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann on the same day. It looked like indeed the Braves were about to empty the pockets.

They never did that, instead using the funds to sign long term extensions with Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies. Which was an extremely smart move.

Back to McCann and Donaldson though. Let’s start with Josh Donaldson. A polarizing signing to say the least around the Majors. Most people outside the Braves organization loved it while fans of the Braves were split down the middle.

I am on the record of loving this signing and I still do. Donaldson has provided great defense and leadership and his bat is still very valuable. He has been unlucky in many situations this year with the stick.

I loved the signing as it was for only 1 year (although I wouldn’t mind another year or two of the bringer of rain) and it made our bench deeper by adding Johan Camargo. Although Camargo hasn’t followed up on his great 2018 season, he is still a weapon off the bench and is more than capable to fill in for players on off days.

Let’s get to B-Mac though. Another polarizing signing in some ways as some fans were ecstatic he was back and some thought it was a cheap PR move. Turns out he can still play.

Let me say this, McCann might have been the best signing last winter in terms of “value”

Reminder- he was signed for only $2 Million. Where would we be without Brian McCann this year? This signing is working very well for both sides and let’s hope he has more opportunities to provide Braves magic in October much like he has done before.