ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves' outfield has become whole once more.
On Tuesday, the Braves finalized a reported one-year deal with 35-year-old Nick Markakis (terms: $4 million in 2019, $6 million team option in 2020).
The Markakis reunion makes sense financially and logistically (outfield rotation-wise), but it was hardly a lock after the Braves' playoff loss to the Dodgers.
During the fall, Markakis seemed like a good candidate to sign a four-year pact with an American League team (allowing for DH opportunities).
But alas, that line of rationale never materialized ... and the Braves (NL East champs) were reasonably quick to welcome Markakis back to Atlanta.
In his previous four seasons (2015-18), Markakis cumulatively collected 38 homers, 311 RBI and 294 runs, while posting a .284 batting average, .359 on-base percentage and .782 OPS rate.
Last year was particularly fruitful for Markakis, who notched a .366 OBP rate while striking out only 80 times.
During this period, Markakis didn't miss more than six games in any particular season.
Atlanta's 2018 outfield rotation of Ronald Acuna Jr. (NL Rookie of the Year), Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall (acquired for last year's stretch run) shall remain intact with the Markakis signing.
As such, the Braves' everyday lineup is essentially set for the upcoming season, with one notable caveat:
Atlanta has reportedly been pursuing Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto, commonly known as the most complete backstop in baseball.
If the Braves can win the Realmuto sweepstakes–likely surrendering a handful of prized pitching prospects in return–the club would subsequently be viable contenders for the National League pennant.