Atlanta Braves News: Johan Camargo Shows up 18 Pounds Lighter
By Seth Carter
One of the early favorites for the Atlanta Braves starting third base gig showed up to camp 18 pounds lighter than last season.
The Atlanta Braves third base spot is up for grabs in 2020. Johan Camargo has reported to camp in 2018-form and 18 pounds lighter.
Camargo and Austin Riley should have first dibs at competing for the job. In 2018, Camargo played in 134 games for the Braves slugging 19 homers, 76 RBI and posting a .272/.349/.457 slashline.
According to Fangraphs, Camargo posted a 116 wRC+ in 2018, with a 3.3 fWAR. He was good for an 8.9 UZR/150 and 7 defensive runs saved in 2018. He was a good defender and a good offensive player on an upward trajectory. Many viewed Camargo as a legitimate everyday third baseman for the Braves in 2019.
Instead, the Braves signed former MVP Josh Donaldson to a one-year deal.
Not only did Camargo lose massive amounts of playing time but he showed up to camp weighing in at 205 pounds. Camargo had played winter ball every offseason of his career until last year.
He reported to camp in 2019 a heavier version of himself. Camargo had bulked up but the Braves needed the 2018-version of Johan.
When Dansby Swanson went down with an injury, Camargo was unable to hold down the fort at shortstop.
The Braves brought in Adeiny Hechavarria and sent Camargo to the minors. He absolutely tore it up in Triple-A slashing 483/.531/.690 with eight extra-base hits.
David O’Brien shared this video of Johan stroking in BP and the tidbit that he had lost 18 pounds in the offseason.
Camargo looks a lot more like the player that electrified Atlanta in 2018 than the guy who slashed .233/.279/.384 last season in a super-utility role – sans the “super.”
We know he struggled last year, but he is obviously dedicated and committed to seizing this opportunity. This is a great sign for the Braves and for Camargo. One thing is certain, somebody has to step up at the hot corner if Atlanta expects to get better in 2020.
Do you think Camargo will win the job outright this spring?