3 Reasons Austin Riley Must Start at 3B for Atlanta Braves in 2020
By Seth Carter
Johan Camargo’s Rough Year
Johan Camargo came into camp prepared. Last offseason was the first time he did not play winter ball and he gained about 20 pounds.
This offseason he reported to camp 18 pounds lighter. Some have attributed his struggles as a fill-in for Dansby Swanson at shortstop to the extra weight.
He was so ineffective in that critical position that the Braves sent him to Triple-A and signed veteran Adeiny Hechavarria.
Camargo had earned the title of “super-utility” for the Braves but he failed to live up to the name last season. While he still posted very good defensive numbers in the outfield last season, he struggled at both third base and shortstop when given the opportunities.
In 25 games at shortstop last season, Baseball-Reference had him on a full-season pace of -25 defensive runs saved averaged out over a full season.
On top of the glove issues for the “super-utility” guy, his bat was broken all year. Last season Camargo followed his solid 2018 with a .233/.279/.384 slash line. It was a huge letdown from the previous year when he slashed .272/.349/.457 and hit 19 homers.
Also, regardless of what caused such a down season from Johan in 2019, it happened. It’s reasonable to go against the grain and wonder if he really does provide a higher floor than Austin Riley.
As bad as Riley’s second half was, he still finished with a higher OPS+ (86) than Camargo had last season (67).
That’s the version of Camargo that cannot show up this year. If the 2018-Camargo has returned this season then where is his ceiling? Does he hit 20 homers with a .260-.270 average?