Atlanta Braves: Still Should Add to Bench

The Atlanta Braves should continue to add to their bench.

The Atlanta Braves are five days away from their first Spring Training action and are still discussing the possibility of adding to their bench. The current bench seems to have a lot of spots up for contention with Kurt Suzuki the only clear add.

Jace Peterson will be expected to be a part of the Braves bench as well but could shift into a starting role if needed or sent to the Minor Leagues if he struggles. The biggest name that keeps coming up for the Braves is outfielder/infielder Kelly Johnson.

Kelly Johnson has had three different stints with the Braves both of the last two ended with Johnson being traded to the Mets for prospects. Adding Johnson to the Braves bench would add a bit of power and flexibility at multiple positions.

The one problem for the Braves is that adding Kelly Johnson doesn’t help their problem in center field. Outside of Matt Kemp or Jace Peterson the Braves lack any depth behind Ender Inciarte. With Mallex Smith being traded the Braves should at least explore trading or signing a legitimate 4^th outfielder.

One option for the Braves could be Angel Pagan. Pagan is still a free-agent and would add a solid bat to the bench that could back up all outfield positions. Another veteran option that the Braves could explore is bringing back veteran Michael Bourn for the bench. While these may not be A-list options they are legitimate bench players that would keep the Braves from having infielders play center field.

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Not only would adding names like Johnson or Pagan add to the bench they would give possible trade chips as well if things go south before the break. The Braves have done a great job loading up on veteran place holders that come trading time could be turned into legitimate prospects.