With Nick Markakis deciding to opt-out of the 2020 season, it makes sense for the Braves to consider adding a free-agent body to their outfield group, especially considering the DH is making its way to the NL for this shortened season. However, when asked by the media today, manager Brian Snitker said the team is sticking with the guys they have in camp.
Asked about possibly bringing in another outfielder, Snit said Braves will stick with players they have in camp right now.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) July 7, 2020
The Braves are generally air-tight about any potential moves they have up their sleeve, so this could merely be smoke. However, they don’t necessarily need to look outside of their organization for help.
Before Markakis decided to opt-out, they already had a surplus of outfield options. Ender Inciarte, Ronald Acuna, Adam Duvall, and Marcell Ozuna are just the start. Charlie Culberson, Austin Riley, and Johan Camargo can all also man the outfield, and if the Braves get desperate enough, their two top prospects — Cristian Pache and Drew Waters — are on the taxi squad ready at a moment’s notice. That’s nine guys that could potentially play the outfield if needed, and that’s not even including a player like Peter O’Brien, who also has experience in the outfield. I wouldn’t totally count out a free agent acquisition, especially if one of the players above tests positive for the coronavirus, opts-out altogether, or suffers an injury. But for now, the Braves’ outfield is just fine, even without Markakis.
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