On Saturday evening the Atlanta Braves did not pick up the option on Nick Markakis. Markakis played right field this season for the Braves and had an exceptional season. He was an All Star and his offensive numbers in the first half of the season were remarkable. His numbers did not live up to his amazing first half of the season however. The Braves did not pick up the $17.9 million option for Markakis and he will become a free agent starting on Monday morning.
This by no way means the Braves are not interested in Nick Markakis. The Braves may shop the free agency market or attempt to resign Markakis for a lower salary. Markakis is 35 years old and he can also test the free agency market. There might be a Major League Baseball team looking for a power hitting outfielder. Nick Markakis would fit that role quite nicely.
Personally do I want Nick Markakis back in Atlanta? Absolutely yes! His energy and enthusiasm played a key role in Atlanta in 2018. Do I think Markakis is a good long term solution? Of course not, but by signing Markakis to a lower year salary he would be helping the. Atlanta Braves.
The Braves farm system is full of young talent. The Braves could definitely use a power bat in the outfield or on the bench. The Atlanta outfield is getting crowded with Ender Inciatre, Ronald Acuña Jr., Adam Duvall all looking to play daily. Plus there are players hoping to make their debuts in 2019 much like Ronald Acuña Jr. did in 2018. Acuña was recently named Rookie Of the Year for 2018. Acuña set the bar very high, and some of the young and upcoming talent want the same chance.
This is one of the first of many decisions Braves General Manager Alex Anthopolious and Braves manager Brian Snitker will need to make. Of course the other coaches in Atlanta like Walt Weiss, Terry Pendleton, and Ron Washington will provide much needed input as well.
Thie Atlanta Braves are now a team in the front office as well in the clubhouse. Can the Braves still pursue some big name free agents like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado? Of course and the Braves might want to bring in some great potential free agents too. The Braves bullpen and relief pitching can also use some work. There are many questions in this off season for the Atlanta Braves. It should be as exciting as the 2018 Atlanta Braves. Free Agency starts tomorrow (Monday November 5, 2018) and the Braves are in search to make a huge splash. Unfortunately there are other teams in baseball looking to do the same. Get ready Braves fans, it’s going to be a fun and exciting ride! GO BRAVES!!!