Atlanta Braves: Johan Camargo No Utility Player

The Atlanta Braves have had a surprise in rookie shortstop Johan Camargo. While many fans are turning on Camargo and labeling him simply as a utility player there is no ignoring what he is doing this season and how good he has been.

Atlanta Braves shortstop Johan Camargo has been impressive overall this season but despite that there seems to be many fans who are turning on Camargo and expecting him to be nothing other then a utility player long term.

Camargo is proving them wrong with his play both on defense and battling at the plate. Slumps will happen especially for an unheralded rookie like Camargo looking at small sample sizes does not accurately show how good of a player that he is.

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In his first full season as a Braves he has hit .292 with a .327 on-base-percentage. That in itself is great production for any hitter add in the fact that he is only twenty-three years old and fans should give Camargo more of a chance.

After struggling defensively in spring training he has played well in the field flashing an arm that the Braves haven’t seen since Andrelton Simmons left to play for the Angels. His pure arm strength and talent will keep him around for some time add in the fact that he has been flirting with a .300 average or better all season and he has more than earned a starting spot with the team next season.

The problem for the Braves will not be is he is deserving of a spot but where to play him with Albies at second and Dansby Swanson expected to be given another chance at shortstop soon. Playing Camargo at third next season would be the best option if Swanson is able to bounce back if not the Braves should evaluate the possibility of keeping Camargo as the shortstop of the future.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

While it is far to early to give up on Swanson or go all in on Camargo there is no denying what Camargo has done this season.

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