Atlanta Braves: Could Bryce Harper Still Fit in Atlanta?

With spring training closing in Bryce Harper remains on the market with no indication of a deal coming soon. Could Atlanta put themselves into the mix for the star outfielder?

At first glance, the Atlanta Braves outfield is full with Ronald Acuna, Ender Inciarte, and Nick Markakis. All three are expected to open the season in the starting lineup. However, there is a reason to be concerned about both Markakis and Inciarte.

Markakis is aging and Inciarte struggled offensively last season. Both are still very good players but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to platoon one or both. Signing Bryce Harper in this hypothetical scenario would give the Braves a legitimate cleanup hitter and provide plenty of depth.

Harper is one of the best outfielders in baseball and has likely been called on by almost every team this off-season.  Rumors have suggested that both Harper and the Braves could have some mutual interest.

Harper now only makes sense if the Braves are willing to platoon two players who expect to start. The only other option would be a trade. Acuna is obviously off the table coming off a rookie year showing a Bryce Harper level of potential.

Nick Markakis was just signed and is in Atlanta for at least another season as well. This leaves Ender Inciarte as the only trade possibility.

Trading a gold glover like Ender isn’t a great idea considering what he is also capable of bringing to the team offensively.

But in this hypothetical scenario trading, Ender would be the move that allows Bryce Harper a starting spot in Atlanta.

If the Braves decide to sign Harper, Inciarte is likely the odd man out.  Harper would provide the Braves with another bat to put in the middle of the order and give them arguably the best lineup in all of baseball.

The Braves signing Harper remains a dream scenario, but it is one that makes a lot of sense for both sides.

A deal that would give Harper a team set to compete for years to come, and the Braves a middle of the order hitter with star power.