Upgrading the Atlanta Braves Left Field: 3 Methods, 7 Options
Now that the most productive (0.3 fWAR) left fielder that Atlanta had is now hitting homers for the Mets, I checked on fangraphs to see how others have done at that position this season.
It’s not pretty… and this material can be skipped for those with a sensitive constitution.
Okay, you were warned:
- Todd Cunningham… who isn’t with the club, of course… 0.1 WAR (.239 batt. avg.)
- Joey Terdoslavich… who isn’t with the club, of course… -0.3 WAR (.147)
- Eric Young, Jr…. who isn’t with the club, of course… -0.6 WAR (.169)
- Eury Perez… -0.8 WAR (.247)
- Jonny Gomes… -0.9 WAR (.197)
Yes – the four most productive players at this position this season have either been traded or DFA’d/optioned to AAA. And KJ was the only one truly above replacement level.
It’s been a little while since we checked in on how the Braves could improve the left field position, and many things have changed.
This is trade week: the last chance many clubs will have to adjust their rosters before the off-season meetings. There are three things that the Braves can do to upgrade the position: (1) stand pat; (2) make a trade with a view to the future; (3) sign a free agent after the season.
Let’s explore the options.
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