Atlanta Braves: 2015 End of Season Player Grades

Oct 2, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder

(25) makes a diving catch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron Maybin

The speedy, perennial disappointment came to Atlanta from the Padres in a massive swap of talent on the offseason last year. Considered a throw-in and part of a salary dump on the part of the San Diego Padres, Cameron Maybin netted the most positive results on the season. Initially slated as the back up to Eric Young Jr, Maybin slowly played his way into the starting lineup and ended up appearing in 141 games, fourth most on the club. It is probably important to split Maybin’s season into halves, as both tell a different story. Before the all-star break, he put up an excellent .289/.356/.418/.774 slash line while swiping 15 bases and clubbing 8 homers. He was the perfect number-two hitter and occasionally led off. Combining that with great defense in centerfield, Maybin had one of the best first halves among Major League centerfielders.

In the second half however, the old Maybin we all know and love resurfaced. .240/.289/.311/.600 was his second half line, and that dropped his season numbers down to .267/.327/.370/.697. His final numbers would have been good enough had they been consistent throughout the year, but the red-hot start followed by the injury plagued and scuffled second half diminishes the season. He only hit 2 more dingers over the final 3 months. Many thought the Braves should have traded Cameron at the break while his stock was high, while many also thought that the 28-year-old former top prospect was finally realizing his potential. It’s up in the air what Maybin will do next year, or will he will do it. It was the best year of his career, playing with no expectations whatsoever, so I can’t be too terribly harsh on Cameron.

Final Grade: B+

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