Coming home seems to be a bit of a theme this week for MLB free agents. As we have already seen Torii Hunter go back to his original team, now Nick Markakis has decided to accept a $44 million deal over 4 years to go back home to the Braves. He will now to be playing in front of his friends and family as he is an Atlanta native.
Back on November 17th the Atlanta Braves made their first move towards letting the public know that they are planning on somewhat rebuilding. This move included the exchange of Jason Heyward for Shelby Miller. How is this a rebuilding tacit? Well, when a team trades one of their stars/leaders of the club for a young up and coming playe, than yes this is a rebuilding strategy. But now with the Braves signing a veteran outfielder with a good all around game that is worth $44 million, “rebuilding” may be an inaccurate term.
Maybe all along the front office at Turner Field had the sam mind set that the Red Sox had for this offseason. That plan is to trade a star for another star (or up and coming stud) and then at the end of the season resign the traded player or instead sign someone who is equivalent. So in essence the team overall gained value.
Going into the offseason the number one priority for the Braves was to get support for Julio Tehran. That was no surprise, but what was shocking was what they did to help the pitching cause. Yes they gained what they needed, but they lost what they already had…….”no problem” said the Braves. And they were right. Now in essence they have significantly aided their pitching depth problem, while not losing anything in return.
Markakis may not have the type glove Heyward has, but he is not far off with two gold gloves of his own. And his bat, well, hasn’t been nearly as disappointing as Jason’s has ever since the Brave drafted Heyward. Just think about this: .270, 12 homers, 70 RBI’s, 75 runs, and 175 hits for Nick Markakis in 2015. Those are better stats then Heyward ever has put up, plus Markakis has proven to put those numbers up in multiple seasons.
Now the question is: will they go on with the “rebuild” term (trade J. Upton) or will they keep heading down this new path (J. Upton rumors are just rumors) and they compete more competitively in 2015 for the NL East crown.
Signing grade: A because it was the right price (not overpaid) and it fills the gap in RF that was thought of to not be filled (under the rebuilding strategy).
