Atlanta Braves: Best Options to Replace Freddie Freeman at First Base

Instead of using a platoon option in the outfield, the Atlanta Braves could choose to platoon Adam Duvall and Nick Markakis at first base in Freddie’s absence.

Duvall, in particular, has plenty of big league experience at first base having played over 260 innings at the position — most recently with Cincinnati in 2018.

On the other hand, Markakis has played just six games at first base in his 14-year career and the last time he did it was in 2016 with the Braves. He played the position just one time for the Braves that season.

I have no doubt that Markakis can learn the position and be capable over there, but it’s certainly no an ideal situation.

One thing we have to realize is that whoever replaces Freddie at first will be a huge downgrade defensively.

However, more often than not you’ll be facing a lefty, and I’d rather not see Markakis at first base that often.

But Snitker could choose to use first base as a platoon position with these two and leave the outfield alone.

This is the good thing about the expanded rosters to start the season, there are plenty of options to build the optimal lineup each day.