Atlanta Braves Bringing Back Nick Markakis Was the Right Move For Atlanta

Nick Markakis will once again be playing right field for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves opted to resign the veteran with limited options left on this year’s trade and free agent markets.

The Atlanta Braves finally broke the silence of their off-season signing veteran Nick Markakis. Nick will be headed back to Atlanta after spending the last four seasons as their incumbent right fielder.

The move was met with mixed responses, but it was the right move for a franchise running out of options.

Markakis signed a team friendly 1-year deal worth $4-million, leaving the team with plenty of other options.

Signing Nick was as much about filling a hole in the outfield as it was leaving the Braves room to work. It gives them plenty of option left to improve the team.

With their right fielder in place, the Braves can use their extra salary to upgrade at another position. The Braves made the right decision considering their limited options on a stale market.

While there may have been better hitters on the market they all had huge question marks while Nick is a known commodity.

Bringing back his example and leadership for a young clubhouse is a savvy move, one the Braves could move off of if needed.

With a small salary and little commitment, the Braves can move off Markakis if he were to age drastically this season. This seems unlikely considering Markakis is coming off of one of his best seasons.

Atlanta could opt to use their new found flexibility to sign a top of the rotation option to pair with their young treasure trove of arms.

For those criticizing the move take a moment to look at Nick’s track record and the question marks with other free agent targets. This is a no risk high reward move for a franchise that continues to move in the right direction.