The expectation is that Ronald Acuna will patrol the Braves outfield in 2018, perhaps as early as Opening Day. To ensure his playing time isn't compromised, the Braves will reportedly shop veteran outfielders Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Heyman said the Braves consider Markakis a “fair value” with just one year and $10.5 million remaining on his deal. Kemp, however, is due $43 million through 2019, and his declining defense and frequent injuries will limit interest.
The 34-year-old Markakis has slashed .279/.361/.398. He’s finishing the season on a bright note, hitting .303 over his last 44 games. He’s also come up clutch: five of his eight homers have given the Braves a lead.
Kemp has been the opposite. Even with his grand slam Wednesday night, Kemp’s hit .238 since returning from the disabled list, and hit .227 in the 46 games prior to that stint. His conditioning and defense remain concerning enough that it would be difficult to generate National League interest.
Kemp’s bat – he’s hit five homers since returning, and four in his last 10 games – has value in the American League, but the question there is how much of his contract the Braves would pay down.
On the surface, it appears easier to move Markakis, though the Braves may prefer to deal Kemp. Heyman’s report is just a further validation of a league-wide assumption that the team will try to move on (or maybe both) to make room for Acuna, who might be baseball’s best prospect.
