Atlanta Braves Should Give Bryce Harper a Look This Offseason

The Atlanta Braves have money to spend this off-season with no bigger target hitting the market than rival Bryce Harper. Should the Braves attempt to land the National’s slugger?

Bryce Harper has plagued the Atlanta Braves for a number of years now as a member of the Washington Nationals. Now with the star set to hit the open market, should Atlanta attempt to bring him to their roster?

Nick Markakis is having a wonderful season, hitting .307 on pace to drive in nearly 100 runs and is closing in on 200 hits. His resurgence has been awesome to watch but the Braves should temper expectations next season.

While they should attempt to resign Markakis this off-season the Braves need a backup plan. There would be no better backup plan than bringing Bryce Harper to Atlanta.

Harper is an exciting player who would fit in well with Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies. This season Harper has struggled but would likely bounce back in a stacked Atlanta lineup. Harper has hit .249 this season though he has knocked in 97 runs and hit 34 homers.

His production is only lacking with his average. Statistically, his production has remained the same outside of his average.

Bringing Harper to Atlanta would mean Markakis(if he were brought back) or Ender Inciarte would have limited playing time.

Atlanta’s starting outfield from left to right would be Ronald Acuna Jr., Ender Inciarte, and Bryce Harper.

Harper would offer Atlanta a much-needed power bat, though his strikeout tendencies would hurt Atlanta. Harper has struck out 157 times this season an eye popping number for a player who is supposed to be one of the best hitters in the game.

That could be the only hiccup for Atlanta who puts emphasis on putting the ball into play. Still, adding Harper to an elite lineup would be the headline move of the off-season.

As to whether Atlanta will target a top player will become more apparent as the postseason starts in the coming weeks.