Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

LEFT-FIELD

Aug 8, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Michael Bourne (2) right fielder

(22) and center fielder

(25) react after defeating the Miami Marlins at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Marlins 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

LEFT-FIELD: Following the trade of Chris Johnson to Cleveland for Michael Bourn, speculating the Atlanta Braves outfield in 2016 got more difficult. Since his addition to the Braves lineup, Bourn has become the starting left-fielder and leadoff hitter for the club. At 32-years-old, Bourn is no longer the player he was during his first stint with the Atlanta Braves. Though only hitting only .233 for the year, he has been playing well since the All-Star Break (albeit not thus far in a Braves uniform). Though Bourn is an effective leadoff hitter and a great defensive outfielder, his age and regression does not seem to fit what John Hart has envisioned for the team. I believe that the Atlanta Braves will retain Bourn’s services next year, just not in a starting capacity.

-= Related: Atlanta Braves: Can Maybin-Bourn Outfield Coexist? =-

Cameron Maybin will remain with the club following his breakout 2015 season and become the Braves starting left-fielder. This season, Maybin has hit .280 with 10 home-runs and 52 RBI’s this season and has finally begun to realize his full potential as a player. At only 29-years-old, Maybin is just entering the prime of his career. He fits exactly what John Hart wants on this club, and is still on a team-friendly contract. Many fans will ask why Maybin would move to left-field as he is currently the Braves starting center-fielder? His move to left is to open a spot for one of the Atlanta Braves best young prospects in 2016…

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