There are rumblings of a new powerhouse across MLB. Where, you ask? In the quiet countryside of the NL East. The Atlanta Braves have returned to form.
For now, we’ll label Atlanta as a quiet powerhouse, as they’re not quite there, but they’re close. Real close.
With a breakout year in 2018 posting a 90-72 record, the Atlanta Braves are looking to regenerate their 90’s to early 2000’s dominance. With standout years from their two rookies Robert Acuna Jr (ROY) and Ozzie Albies, an MVP like season from Freddie Freeman, and Johnny Ventures pitching like it’s 2011, it shows that the future is bright for these young Braves. But, how can they maintain this?
The Braves letting go of both Kurt Suzuki and Nick Markakis shows that they’re content with both Tyler Flowers behind the plate and their talented outfield. Suzuki didn’t pan out to be that veteran catcher who could help lead a staff while also producing. His fielding is sub-par at best. While Markakis had a solid 2018, he enters his age 35 season and isn’t a part of the braves youthful outfield. He’s also looking for a bigger deal, which wouldn’t work in their favor. However, a player like A.J. Pollock would fit perfectly with Atlanta; cheap and worth it. Letting both of these players go is a step in the right direction.
When news broke of Houston releasing Brian McCann I knew right away Atlanta needed to pick him up. Since his departure from Atlanta, McCann has batted .231 with 94 HR in 565 games. While not looking like much, it’s exactly what the Braves need at the catcher position – a solid platoon catcher. He can also help their young pitching staff truly develop better then Suzuki could’ve done. Plus, there’s the excitement to see him return in an Atlanta uniform.
The acquisition of Josh Donaldson was one that came out of nowhere, for me at least. Needing a 3B, the Braves went for power over defense with the signing of Donaldson. With Johan Camargo as the primary starter in 2018, he provided much-needed balance in terms fielding and batting. In 134 games Camargo batted .272 with 19 HR and 79 RBIs, while having a fielding percentage of .934 at 2B, 3B, and SS. It’ll be interesting to see who gets the starting spot, but with Donaldson due $23 million in 2019 (after three injury-plagued seasons) he’ll most likely be the starter, even after hitting below .250 with only 8 HRs in 2018.
So far in the 2019 offseason, the Braves have done well in making key acquisitions while also letting players walk who don’t quite fit into the mold for what they’re trying to achieve.
The Braves can truly be the dark horse in the NL, causing turmoil among the elite. A potential dogfight with a Bryce Harper led Phillies team for the NL East title is one of the many storylines I’m excited to follow in a much anticipated 2019 season.