In need of an outfielder the Atlanta Braves are reportedly turning to a familiar face. The team has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with free agent outfielder Nick Markakis that also contains a club option for 2020. The deal will pay Markakis $4 million in 2019. The club option is worth $6 million with a $2 million buy out. So he gets $6 million guaranteed and the Braves can move on after the 2019 season.
#Braves Agree to Terms with OF Nick Markakis: pic.twitter.com/GSZmNoOxJq
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2019
Markakis' deal, as @Ken_Rosenthal said, is a year with a club option. His 2019 salary is $4 million, with a $6 million club option that includes a $2 million buyout.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 22, 2019
Markakis put up a career year in 2018 but appeared to wear down in the second half of the season. He hit .323/.389/.488 and put up a 133 wRC+ through the first 94 games. Those numbers dropped to .258/.332/.369 and a wRC+ of 88 over the final 68 games.
Atlanta entered the offseason looking for an upgrade in the outfield through free agency or trade. They were reluctant to meet the asking price for guys such as Michael Brantley, Andrew McCutchen or A.J. Pollock and a trade never materialized. As the offseason went on, it seemed more likely that the team would double back to Markakis.