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Nick Markakis: Quietly Best Brave in 2015

By Jonathan Savitske

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Nick Markakis signed a 4 year, $44 million deal with the Atlanta Braves this offseason after spending 9 years with the Baltimore Orioles.

The acquisition of Nick Markakis was the first big free agent signing under the new front-office, and drew some doubt from pundits and fans alike. Markakis, 30, does not fit the mold of what John Hart said he would do — add young talent to the Atlanta Braves via the rejunevation of the minor league system.

-= Related: Atlanta Braves Position Profile: Catcher =-

Nick Markakis became Jason Heyward‘s replacement in right-field, after Hart sent the beloved Atlanta Braves’ outfielder to St. Louis for Shelby Miller and pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins. While Markakis does not have the athleticism or the incredible defensive prowess that Heyward possessed, he was always a solid defender — a two time Gold Glove recipient — and consistently has gotten on base throughout his career. 

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Following the addition of hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to the Braves’ clubhouse, it was clear that the Atlanta Braves’ vision for the club was predicated on making contact with the ball and consistently getting on base. Nick Markakis’s skill-set perfectly aligned with the future vision for the Atlanta Braves.

After recovering from offseason neck surgery, it was uncertain what the Atlanta Braves would get from Nick Markakis in 2015. Surprisingly, Nick Markakis has not only been the most consistent Braves’ hitter at the plate this year, but has quietly had a best season of any player — which is right in line with his demeanor.

With one week left in the season, Nick Markakis has a slash line of .297/.370/.379 and leads the team in batting average to along with 2 home-runs and 50 RBI’s. While this numbers are not impressive by themselves by any means, they are very good considering that he plays for a Braves team that has the second worst run differential in baseball at -195.

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Markakis has also been the Braves healthiest position player, playing 149 games this season. Nick Markakis’s penchant for getting on base consistently has made him Fredi Gonzalez‘s primary leadoff hitter on a team where players like Jace Peterson, Cameron Maybin and Michael Bourn should be able to fill that spot in the order.

Though his numbers will not receive much notoriety once the season has ended, Nick Markakis has been the best position player on the Atlanta Braves this season. If the Atlanta Braves can add some pieces around him and Freddie Freeman in 2016, he may see his power numbers and RBI’s increase significantly. We may all miss Jason Heyward — but Nick Markakis has been a perfect fit in right-field. 

Next: Atlanta Braves Reeled in By Fish, 6-2

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