Atlanta Braves are enjoying the Johan Camargo effect but 2019 is coming
By James Kunkle
Johan Camargo is like a Swiss army knife for the Braves. Maybe not Charlie Culberson level, but his value is tremendous to the franchise.
For the 2018 season, the Atlanta Braves have had their decision to stick with Johan Camargo at 3rd base rewarded as he has produced at high quality levels especially since June 1st (listen to Chip Caray and he will remind you again that he is the RBI leader for the team since that date).
The question however, is what do you do with him following the 2018 season and heading into 2019?
Keep at 3B?
We all know Austin Riley is the current 3B of the future despite his lackluster numbers since coming back from a lengthy DL stint (peaked his average at .304 on July 19, but has fallen to .267 going 6 for 42 over the past 2+ weeks).
The first route the Braves could take is the same approach they took with Acuna this season, and that is to let Riley stay down in Gwinnett for the first month or two of 2019 and let Camargo man the hot corner early next year and keep the status quo.
But let’s keep the focus on Riley for a moment: does Camargo’s good year make the Braves maybe contemplating using Riley in a trade package this off-season? It’s a possibility.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos might have to let this thought cross his mind come November and December. The Braves have steadfastly refused to dive into their deep pitching prospect pool to make trades thus far. Austin Riley with another piece or two could get a “Ace” or another big bat for the middle of the order.
Meet your new Shortstop?
The second option you could see Camargo filling in next year would be a thought very few saw as a remote possibility just a few months ago most likely.
Let’s face it, Dansby Swanson has not lived up to the hype thus far – at least at the plate. That in no way, shape, or form is saying that he still couldn’t; but the Braves leash on the once much hyped prospect has to be getting real short, especially since the Braves window is now wide open for the next few years.
Camargo, could play short while Austin Riley (or someone else possibly) mans third. While it is not in nearly as big a sample size, Camargo’s defensive numbers are better at short. His fielding percentage is .979 at SS while a still good .967 at 3B.
The one bright spot in Swanson’s season thus far has been his defensive play getting better as the season rolls on. The point is the gain you would make in offensive production from the SS position would assuredly be worth the minimal defensive drop-off you would receive in this scenario.
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Utility Player?
The last option to cover involving Camargo and the 2019 season is he could play just like the aforementioned Charlie Culberson has this year. He could play all around the diamond as he has time at 2B, SS, 3B, and some in the outfield.
It would certainly not be a bad thing to have a bat like Camargo at the disposal of a late inning game off the bench or DH in American League ballparks.
Lastly, Camargo himself could be involved in trade scenarios come this winter. I’m sure other GM’s will at least ask about his availability as any talented player that is just now starting the arbitration period of their career is a very valuable asset to have.
So as you can see, the Braves have about as many options with Camargo as ways their are to park near Suntrust Park. Let’s hear what option you think is best for the Braves with Camargo.