Atlanta Braves: Johan Camargo is legit, but where does he fit in with future plans?

Braves fans were beyond excited for this year’s rookies, but have found joy in one that almost no one was talking about prior to the 2017 season. Johan Camargo has raked his way to a respectable .292 average, but where does his bat fit in with future plans?

Virtually all Atlanta Braves fans’ eyes were on Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies heading into this year, but due to the late arrival of the Albies and Swanson’s struggles at the plate, heads have turned to the rookie who is putting up decent numbers: Johan Camargo.

The 23-year-old Panama native has slashed .292/.327/.454 so far as a rookie, but some people suggest that Camargo’s abnormally high .364 BABIP is a sign of inevitable regression. That idea is the result of a bit of over-thinking.

The truth is, some guys are just better at sending the ball where they want when they make contact. Camargo’s line drive percentage has been consistent since the start of 2016 when he was in AA, and while he’s started to pull the ball more at the major league level, the key to his success along with hit placement has been making good contact, or at least, a lack of weak contact.

To put things into a bit of perspective, here’s a comparison:

Camargo’s success and high BABIP are a product of more than just luck coupled with a hot streak. He’s making better overall contact this year than the Braves’ lone all-star, Ender Inciarte.  Bloop hits are a result of luck. Consistently making quality contact, on the other hand, is not.

Let’s not forget that Camargo is just 23. His defense isn’t even close to questionable, and there are still tons of room and time for him to improve even further as a hitter.

So what’s in store for the future?

Realistically speaking, the only infield position that’s open for the taking in Atlanta is third base. Camargo’s arm and range make him a definite candidate for the position, and he may be able to lock it down if this level of play carries over into next season.

The only real competition Camargo would have over the next couple of years are Rio Ruiz and Austin Riley. Riley isn’t exactly tearing his way through the Atlanta Braves’ system, and Ruiz didn’t show many promising signs upon being called up earlier this year.

It won’t be until Kevin Maitan gets closer to the MLB that Camargo’s starting job at third would be in any real jeopardy, and that’s not until at least 2020. Even after Maitan’s arrival, Camargo’s speed and defensive excellence may provide him with an opportunity to be an everyday guy in Atlanta’s outfield, if there’s room.

UPDATE FROM TUESDAY NIGHT’S GAME:

Camargo injured his right knee before the game even started Tuesday evening by landing awkwardly and hyper-extending the joint.  He had to be helped from the field and was replaced by Jace Peterson at shortstop.

At this writing we have no information on the extent of the injury.

Next: It's still not time to forgive Barry Bonds.

Atlanta Braves fans should be excited to see what Johan Camargo can become, instead of critical of his current performance. He hasn’t even entered his prime, and yet he’s already turning heads on both sides of the ball.