Atlanta Braves close to adding outfield depth by signing Yasiel Puig

The Atlanta Braves have, no doubt, discussed how Puig fits into the lineup mix; I expect him to play almost every day.The ideal Braves outfield has Ronald Acuna Jr. in right and Ender Inciarte in center. Before Freddie Free became ill and Markakis left, it seemed the plan included a platoon of Nick and Adam Duvall in left.

With Freeman sidelined for an unknown time, Markakis and Duvall were both mentioned as first base options, along with Austin Riley and Johan Camargo; then, Markakis opted out. Assuming Puig is healthy, we could see him join Acuna in center and Duvall in left, against LHP, and Puig in left with Inciarte and Acuna against RHP.  Duvall could play first in either of those scenarios as well. Much depends on how well he, Riley, and Camargo hit coming out the chute.

A lot depends on when Freeman returns to add his presence to the lineup as well. The truth is we have no idea how long it will take him to get back in shape. The virus is extremely hard on the lungs and digestive tract of those unlucky enough to become infected.

In May, a 45-year old woman from Austria required a lung transplant, and in June, a young woman in her 20s received a double lung transplant as a result of the infection. These cases are outliers, but no one can predict how long it will take anyone to recover. Before becoming ill, Freeman was in great shape, which should allow him to recover more quickly than the average individual. All we can do is hope that happens.

That’s a wrap

I advocated for Puig early in the offseason, so I’m not surprised the Atlanta Braves are trying to bring him on board.

After a rough couple of years adjusting to being rich and free, Puig’s become a father and started the Yasiel Puig’s Wild Horse Children’s Foundation Foundation to support education, sports, and healthy life for kids and their families, in underserved communities.

Bringing him on board fills the gap left on the field left when Markakis opted out of the season. With Markakis gone and Freeman sidelined, the question becomes, who take over the leadership role in the clubhouse?