Atlanta Braves: To Use Jace Peterson in Utility Role

The Atlanta Braves reportedly are going to focus on helping Jace Peterson work in the outfield and improve as a utility piece. Peterson in a utility role long term could work only if Peterson improves offensively.

The Atlanta Braves working on using Peterson in a role long term is interesting in the fact that Peterson has only hit .219 this season and hasn’t looked to be a long term piece for a contending team.

That is not a knock on Peterson only pointing out that having a major role player who can’t hit more than .220 could prove to be problematic over time.  According to MLB trade rumors however, this report came from Brian Snitker who may not be the Braves’ manager next season.

Using Peterson in any role long term is only going to be an option if he can bring more value at the plate. His struggles this season have been indicative of his short career so far in that his offensive performance has been very inconsistent.

If Peterson can find a way to hit .250 or better from the bench he would be a great weapon to have at the Braves disposal a player they have lacked since Martin Prado was in a Braves’ uniform.

Peterson could improve as well considering that he is only in his third year of regular MLB action bouncing back and forth between the Major League club and the minor leagues in those three years.

If the Braves are going to get back to the contending teams of the 2000’s players like Peterson are going to have to improve production of the Braves will need to choose to move on and put productive players in their place.