Atlanta Braves Cannot Start Nick Markakis in 2020

The Atlanta Braves brought back veteran Nick Markakis once again to be a part of the Braves outfield. Despite his experience and leadership Markakis simply cannot be an everyday starter in 2020.

Nick Markakis will once again be in the outfield for the Atlanta Braves in 2020. One of the Braves first moves was bringing back the veteran outfielder. It is a solid move IF Atlanta plans to platoon Markakis.

Nick has been consistent for Atlanta but has shown he cannot start every game for Atlanta. At thirty-six years old if Atlanta wants consistent production they are going to have to platoon the veteran.

If not platoon at the very least they are going to have to give Nick consistent time off and allow him to rest. If not, he will be burnt out and unproductive by the season’s end.

This isn’t to say that Nick shouldn’t get the bulk of the playing time, only that at this point in his career it is time for a change. Atlanta needs to add a right-handed option (such as Yasiel Puig) to help share the load in the outfield.

Atlanta needs Nick to remain healthy and rested if they hope for him to maintain his production. His prime seasons are likely over, he still brings a LOT of value to this team simply not as an everyday starter.

Nick finished the season hitting .285 not far off his .288 career average. Atlanta should expect a similar season from Markakis if they rest him and don’t put him in the lineup every game. Markakis will be joined by Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuna Jr.

Acuna will likely shift to right-field full time this season allowing Inciarte to play in center and Nick in left. It is a solid outfield that Atlanta only needs to add a piece to for it to become one of the best in the League.