ATL All Day
Fansided

Michael Bourn: Future with Braves in 2016?

By Jonathan Savitske

facebooktwitterreddit

The Atlanta Braves acquired Michael Bourn in August along with Nick Swisher from the Cleveland Indians that sent estranged third baseman Chris Johnson to the shores of Lake Erie.

In the midst of a disappointing and tumultous 2015 campaign for the Atlanta Braves, Michael Bourn did not help matters during his first month back with the Atlanta Braves. The veteran outfielder struggled, slashing only .156/.250/.172 in the month of August.

-= Related: Manny Banuelos: Better Suited for Braves’ Bullpen? =-

The Atlanta Braves elected to not re-sign Michael Bourn during the 2013 free agency period, deciding instead to throw money at Melvin Upton Jr. — who of course will is always remembered as one of the biggest blunders of the Frank Wren administration. Michael Bourn was an All-Star in 2012, representing the Atlanta Braves. During his first stint with the team, Michael Bourn hit .274 in 2012, while recording a .348 OBP and a .391 slugging percentage. 

More from ATL All Day

Perhaps realizing his value offensively and defensively, John Hart wisely traded for the speedy centerfielder. While it took a while for Michael Bourn to reacquaint himself with Atlanta, he became one of the most reliable assets on offensive for the ballclub down the stretch, hitting .286/.358/.329 in the final month of the season.

Michael Bourn’s good performance — especially while starting center-fielder Cameron Maybin was recovering from an eye injury — has led many to believe that he may in fact have a place on the 2016 Atlanta Braves roster as either a starter or as a fourth outfielder. Given the current options the Atlanta Braves possess in the outfield going into next season, is it possible that the ball-club will continue to retain the services of Michael Bourn in some capacity?

I believe so. Michael Bourn’s speed is a valuable asset — and though at 32-years-old he is not the same player that he was, nor does he seem to fit the Braves’ “mold”, Bourn’s leadership can benefit up-and-coming players such as Braves’ Minor League Player of the Year Mallex Smith (who projects to compete for a roster spot) while remaining a valuable asset to the team. Michael Bourn is still one of the better base-stealers in Major League Baseball and provides exceptional defense in any of the 3 outfield positions.

Of course, there is always the possibility that the Braves will choose to trade Michael Bourn (as is theme since John Hart and John Coppolella took over). Still, the potential assets netted in a transaction involving Bourn at his age is probably not commensurate with the value he brings to the team.

More from Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves intentions on Cameron Maybin, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher are unknown at this point; and the club may move any or all of the three during the offseason. I believe the most likely scenario is that Michael Bourn will compete for the starting left-field or center-field position in Spring Training against Mallex Smith. If the rookie proves incapable of playing in the show at that point, he may require more seasoning at the Minor League level, leaving the door open for Bourn.

Regardless of what happens come March of 2016, Michael Bourn’s unique skill-set is advantageous to an Atlanta Braves’ club seeking to reclaim success next season. Whether we will see him starting or coming of the bench is uncertain — but I truly believe the Atlanta Braves will elect to retain Michael Bourn next season.

Next: Julio Teheran: Return to Dominant Form in 2016?

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Braves