Atlanta Braves: Top 5 outfield targets left to consider

Whit Merrifield

I’ll be the first to admit that I have a bit of a man-crush on Whit Merrifield. But that doesn’t change the fact he could be a huge boost to the Braves if they can convince the Kansas City Royals to part with him.

Since Merrifield is on a team-friendly deal that will cost the Royals just $14 million over the next three years, it would take a really good package to land the 30-year-old utility-man.

But Atlanta certainly has the prospects to get any deal done they want, and I think they should consider meeting the price for Merrifield.

While I certainly think his best position is second base — and we know he won’t play there in Atlanta — he is also a very solid outfielder. And he has experience at all three outfield positions.

That’s perfect for when you want to give Inciarte a day off against a left-hander, you can have Merrifield starter in center. Or the same with Ozzie at second when you want to give him a day.

And how about this, Whit even has experience at first base so he could give Freddie Freeman a breather.

That’s what makes Merrifield so valuable is the fact that he plays everywhere and plays well. And the fact that he just rakes at the plate.

In three straight seasons now he’s put together a season of 2.8 WAR or higher with a career-high 5.2 WAR in 2018 when he hit .304/.367 with 12 home runs, 88 runs scored, and 45 stolen bases.

This one seems like a long shot mainly because of what the Royals are asking, and I’d rather have more of a power bat in left. But there is no question that Merrifield could fill a lot of needs for Atlanta.