Braves News: Nick Markakis Decides to Opt-Out of 2020 Season
The Atlanta Braves had another veteran player decide to opt-out of playing during the shortened 2020 season because of COVID-19.
After the Atlanta Braves found out Freddie Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 Felix Hernandez decided to opt-out of the 2020 season.
It seems that has affected the decision of another player for the Braves as outfielder Nick Markakis will also be sitting out the 2020 season.
The 36-year-old was set to make $4 million with the Braves in 2020 and be a left-handed bat off the bench.
He’s made over $120 million in his career, so like Felix, this was probably an easier decision for him than most.
The sad part for some Braves fans is this will probably be the last time we see Markakis in a Braves uniform.
Whatever your feelings are on him, he’s been a steady veteran presence in the Atlanta clubhouse for six seasons and helped lead them back into contention after going through some tough years.
I think the statement above is very true for a lot of players, especially veteran players. A lot of this game is playing for the fans, and without fans in attendance that certainly hurts the motivation for a lot of players.
Markakis is certainly a player — like Freddie — that is going to take the field every day he physically can and give everything he can for the fans.
It would not be surprising at all to see a wave of players start to opt-out of the 2020 season. And that’s certainly their right, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a fun 60-plus games of baseball.
While Markakis will certainly be missed on this team, he wasn’t expected to have a huge impact on the team.
Plus, the Braves have a lot of depth in the outfield that should be able to step up and replace his production.
Later we’ll have an article detailing just how great Markakis has been in his career and with the Braves. And we’ll also look at some players who will need to setup up in his absence.
Be on the lookout for those articles at Tomahawk Take and stayed tuned to the site as more news comes out during Summer Camp.