Atlanta Braves To Move Evan Gattis To Left Field

When the Atlanta Braves signed veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year $2 million deal, it pretty much shows us that the Braves are serious about making Evan Gattis the full-time left fielder in 2015.  Considering all stays the same with the Braves roster, Gattis will join Nick Markakis and B.J. Upton in the everyday Braves outfield.

The 28-year-old will be entering his third season as a major leaguer for the Braves.  He has been formally used by the Braves as a catcher but in 2015, it looks as though he will be moved to the outfield.  Gattis has 48 games of experience in the MLB in left field and 38 games in left throughout his minor league career.

In 2013, the Braves tried Gattis in left when Brian McCann returned from injury but many weren’t impressed by El Oso Blanco’s play in the outfield.  Through the 48 games, he had four errors and sometimes just looked a little clumsy roaming the outfield.

“The man was put on this Earth to hit, not field” – Jon Heyman

The guys on MLB Network, Jon Heyman and

talked about the Braves moving Gattis to the outfield and how well they think it will work out on Monday night’s show.

“Both the scouting reports and statistics agree Gattis is a disaster in the field, and that means at catcher, first base and left field,” Heyman said of Gattis.  “The man was put on this Earth to hit, not field.  He’s a DH stuck on an NL team, and since the Braves have Freddie Freeman entrenched at first and Bethancourt on the way behind the plate, left field is the only way they can get Gattis’ bat in the lineup.”

Gattis’ bat may be more than adequate for left as he won’t get the wear and tear on his knees while catching.  He’s hit a slash line of .253/.304/.487 with 43 homers in 213 career MLB games in two seasons.

“I’m OK with it,” Floyd said.  “When you look at what Evan Gattis is going to bring to the table every night is a possibility of a three run homer.  He’s going to have his issues out in the outfield but with a little bit of work in Spring Training, I think he’ll be fine.  I think for a guy coming from behind the dish, it gives his body a break first and foremost and secondly, you can sort of hide him in the outfield…especially in left field.  You have to make sure from a depth standpoint, you play a little deeper and then just get your reps in prior to Spring Training.  Then when Spring Training rolls around, I’m not sure how Fredi Gonzalez will play him but he will probably get a lot more games in just to make sure he’s ready for opening day.”

Sep 14, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Evan Gattis (24) waits on deck against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Padres 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The 6’4″ 260 pound man will get a lot of reps in the outfield during Spring Training so he can get more accustomed to the new territory.  The Braves will probably see some of the bad in the outfield but the good of Gattis’ bat will be good enough to overlook.  Atlanta will probably ask B.J. to try to cover more ground (HA! I know) on the left side of the field to help Gattis out.

“The World Series winner had Travis Ishikawa in left field last year,” Heyman went on to say.  “I think left field is a position for offense right now.  I think it’s worth experimenting if you’re the Braves and we’ll see what Gattis can do.  They can switch it up and try something else if he’s not a left fielder but I think he will be able to be serviceable out there.”

What’s plan B?  Gattis back to catching?  Gattis not in the lineup?

If he can provide he’s able to play the outfield well, it will attract more teams interested in his services.

This is all hypothetical if the Braves decide to trade Gattis later this offseason.  Rumors have been swirling with his name for months now but no team has met the Braves wish list.