Four Areas The Atlanta Braves Can Improve Through Free Agency
By Deke Lloyd
3. Outfield
With the option of Markakis hanging in the air, the Braves outfield desires are unknown at the moment. If the Braves decide to keep Markakis, this speculation will all be for naught. However, if the Braves move on from Markakis, the Braves will have a glaring hole in the outfield.
The Braves do have some help coming down the pipeline, in the form of outfield help. Christian Pache, the Braves highly touted centerfield prospect, is working his way through the Braves organization. There is the possibility Pache has a stellar Spring Training and finds a way on the roster to start the season. I doubt it, but it’s possible.
As far as outfield players are concerned, most of the big-name free agents are on team options. Starling Marte, Jason Heyward, Adam Eaton, Kyle Calhoun are all guys who could hit the market. Marte seems like a lock to stay in Pittsburgh, but Heyward and Eaton could both find their ways into free agency if their teams decide to move on from said player.
If it was up to me, I would love to see the Chicago Cubs let Jason Heyward go into free agency. Depending on what the money was, the Braves could slot Heyward back into the outfield along with Acuna and Inciarte, possibly making the best defensive outfield in all of baseball. Heyward could also provide some leadership the Braves will be without this season when McCann, Teheran, and possibly, Donaldson take when they all move on. I don’t see the Braves handing out a huge contract to Heyward when Pache is looming, but I would love to see Heyward back in Atlanta.