Atlanta Braves: Low-cost outfield options to consider

We take a look at some possible low-cost outfield options for the Atlanta Braves to consider this offseason that couple be an upgrade.

If the Atlanta Braves are able to resign Josh Donaldson, then the heavy lifting of the offseason will be complete.

But that does not mean they could not upgrade the lineup even more if the opportunity presented itself.

Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.

That is the sound going through the minds of Atlanta Braves’ fans as we all patiently (kind of) wait on Josh Donaldson to make his decision.

With reports of offers being presented by multiple teams, it seems like the end is near.

There are two ways this will go for the Braves and there will be repercussions from each of them.

The first possibility is the one that would hurt the most for the Braves; that would be Donaldson signing elsewhere and then likely having to fork over prospects for Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado or Starling Marte to fill the cleanup spot in the batting order.

But let’s think positive, okay? There is no reason to head into 2020 with negative vibes, no matter how realistic they may be.

If Donaldson resigns with the Braves, then Alex Anthopoulos and company can upgrade the roster only if they see fit.

The one area they could upgrade in this scenario is the final outfield spot, which is currently occupied by a platoon of Nick Markakis and Adam Duvall.

Taking Marcell Ozuna and Nicholas Castellanos out of the equation due to cost, there were four players I found (two free agents and two via the trade market) that would be upgrades over the “DuKakis” platoon.

Obviously in this scenario, Duvall would be non-tendered and Markakis would become a bench piece; both, admittedly seem unlikely, but with the current roster it would behoove the Braves to at least investigate better options.

Let’s take a look at the free agent options first, which might seem underwhelming at first, but the body of work of these players would add depth to the roster.