Atlanta Braves showing interest in All-Star slugger Mike Moustakas

The Atlanta Braves have been noted to have some interest in former Kansas City Royal and Milwaukee Brewer, Mike Moustakas.

Most fans of the Atlanta Braves have hope that the team will make appropriate moves to improve the team this offseason. One of the first vacancies to fill is found at the third base position.

While the majority of fans prefer to hold on to Josh Donaldson, who had an incredible season for Atlanta, there is the likelihood that he will end up elsewhere.

The market for Donaldson has surged in recent days as there are many teams currently with a need at third base. That includes the Rangers, Nationals, Dodgers, Phillies, and Braves.

As we learned from general manager Alex Anthopolous in his address to the media at the GM Meetings, they are letting the former AL MVP “shop around” before engaging in multi-year deal talks with him.

So, where does this leave the Braves if they are unable to retain JD?

The Braves could just decide to let Johan Camargo and Austin Riley audition for the starting job during Spring Training. However, there is a lot of risk in that as Camargo heals from his leg injury and having hope that Riley is able to figure things out at the plate.

Well, there is another option and that lies with veteran infielder, Mike Moustakas.

Moose, as fans affectionately call him, has had plenty of success through nine seasons. He would provide the Atlanta offense with a power bat that is much needed without the presence of Josh Donaldson.

He could bat clean up behind Freddie Freeman if needed but could fit in anywhere from 4-6 in the lineup.

Moustakas hit .254 in 2019 with 133 hits including 35 homers, 30 doubles, and 87 RBI. A little less production than JD but not by very much.

Let’s break down their 2019 numbers side-by-side for comparison.

• Moustakas: .254/.329/.516, 133 hits, 30 2B, 35 HR, 87 RBI, 98 Ks, .845 OPS
• Donaldson: .259/.379/.521, 142 hits, 33 2B, 37 HR, 94 RBI, 155 Ks, .900 OPS

Fairly similar numbers but as you may notice, the area that separates the two most is their on-base percentages.

Josh Donaldson is known for his ability to get on base often and make opposing pitchers work. In 2019, Donaldson racked up a nice on-base percentage of .379 with 100 walks.

Moustakas’ OBP of .329 with just 53 walks is definitely an area that we’d miss but he makes up for that in other offensive areas.

Not only does Moose bring a power bat but he brings some great hands and arm strength in the field. His defensive ability is a little less than Donaldson but not enough to the point where he would be a liability.

I think Moustakas would fit in with the clubhouse extremely well in Atlanta and is going to be a much more cost-friendly option for the front office to consider.

A lot of projections have Moustakas receiving a 2-year deal worth around the $30 million range (roughly $16 million AAV). I believe he’s earned a shot at a multi-year deal and with his agent being Scott Boras, they’ll certainly do their best to ensure that happens this year.

I like Moose and think he’s an excellent fit for this lineup if the Braves are unable to work a deal out for Donaldson. I’ve long thought Atlanta should have worked out a deal for Mike and now could be the best time to make that happen.

They’ll need to move as quickly as possible, however, as the Brewers are looking to try and bring back both Moustakas and Grandal. Each player is said to be on Atlanta’s radar so I think you’ve got to work diligently to at least sign one of those guys.

If I were a betting man, I’d say Moustakas is the more likely of the two to end up in an Atlanta Braves uniform in 2020.