Braves Re-Sign Outfielder Nick Markakis After Declining His Option
By Parker White
The offseason has just begun but the Atlanta Braves are already busy in terms of bringing back their veterans.
Just like they did with veteran catcher Tyler Flowers, the Braves declined outfielder Nick Markakis' $6 million option but re-signed him on a one-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Correction: #Braves handled Markakis same as Tyler Flowers. Had option with buyout that team declined and then re-signed him. https://t.co/JDfqBVroxF
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 4, 2019
Markakis was due to earn $6 million in 2020, but instead he's coming back on a one-year, $4 million deal.
The 35-year-old had a $2 million buyout in his deal, so he'll make the same amount of money he would if the option was picked up initially. But just like with Flowers, with the new deal only $4 million counts towards their 2020 payroll.
Some savvy payroll maneuvering on the part of Alex Anthopoulos and Co.
Braves, Nick Markakis Agree To New Deal https://t.co/ImyHUG4VT6 pic.twitter.com/rmcYzSmeUg
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 4, 2019
Markakis has spent the last five seasons in the middle of the Braves batting order, but he only appeared in 116 games in 2019 because of a wrist injury. It certainly had an effect on his offensive production, as he only slashed .285/.356/.420 with nine home runs and 62 RBI.
Considering his age and his lackluster numbers against left-handed pitching, Markakis is a prime candidate to be a platoon player in Atlanta's outfield for 2020 as the team pushes for a deep postseason run.