Atlanta Braves: Dissecting Team Needs for 2016
Sep 12, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves pinch hitter Adonis Garcia (24) hits a three run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
GARCIA, OLIVERA OR WHO?
Adonis Garcia jumped on to the scene in Atlanta after the Atlanta Braves traded Chris Johnson to the Cleveland Indians. Garcia never accumulated more than nine home runs in a single season, but he amassed 10 home runs in just 58 games with the Braves this season.
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With Garcia hitting the ground running, he found himself inserted into the starting lineup . In the final series of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals, Adonis Garcia belted two 2-run home runs in one game, further pushing his case for the starting job at third base in 2016. He possessed a 113 WRC+, per Fangraphs, which is “above average.”
The question is: do the Atlanta Braves remain content with keeping Garcia as the starting third baseman? If he starts 2016 like he ended 2015, the Braves made a good choice; however, if he flounders, the team made a huge mistake. Garcia’s defense leaves one often dissatisfied, because he sported a .896 fielding percentage in 41 games at third base.
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In addition to Garcia, the Braves fielded Hector Olivera at third base. He played 21 games at the hot-corner and could represent an alternative moving forward. If the Braves look elsewhere for a third baseman, Olivera presents positional flexibility, being able to play in the outfield as well as the infield. By trading away an outfielder, Olivera slots nicely into a corner-outfield position.
If the Atlanta Braves decide to move Garcia to a bench role, John Hart must acquire a third baseman this offseason. David Freese presents the best option via free agency, but the Atlanta Braves should look into the trade market. Clearly, the free agency market offers little upside this offseason, so a trade makes the most sense.
Discussing trades are purely speculation, but one name jumping to the top of the list is Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. The Rockies have a glaring hole in their starting rotation, and what do the Atlanta Braves have stockpiled in their system? Pitching. Only a holy grail offer brings Arenado to Atlanta, but why not make it? He is an MVP candidate this year, and a sure-fire bet to win one in the future. Arenado and Freeman make for a lethal one-two punch. Time to begin the trade discussions.
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