:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65624344/1042833370.jpg.0.jpg)
Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos spoke with the media following Monday’s roster announcements. When discussing Nick Markakis’ return on a one-year, $4 million deal, Anthopoulos said that the team has spoke with him about platooning in left field and mentioned Adam Duvall as a potential right handed compliment per The Athletic’s David O’Brien.
#Braves are bringing back Markakis with intention of him platooning in left field, and they discussed that with him before re-signing him, Anthopoulos said. AA mentioned Duvall as platoon option in left with him.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 4, 2019
Markakis hit .245/.310/.343 with a wRC+ of 71 in 113 plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2019. He had much better numbers against right-handed pitching hitting .298/.371/.446 with a 112 wRC+ in 356 plate appearances. No mention of Brian Snitker’s thoughts on this sort of an arrangement but it seems clear that this is what the front office is thinking.
That arrangement would account for having Ender Inciarte in center with Ronald Acuña Jr. shifting over to right. The Braves could also opt to move on from Inciarte this offseason and pursue another outfielder via free agency or trade.
Atlanta may be reluctant to add an outfielder on a long term deal given the presence of prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters who should both begin next season at Triple-A.