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Atlanta Braves Nick Markakis: Deep Waiver Wire Claim

By Brad Kelly

Apr 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Nick Markakis (22) reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Mark Wegner (14) against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Nick Markakis (22) reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Mark Wegner (14) against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nick Markakis’s first season with the Atlanta Braves was plagued by an injury. Now that he is healthy and beginning to heat up, should he be considered a waiver wire add?

Nick Markakis has had one of the more unheralded careers, as he never got the rightful recognition he deserved during his prime years with the Baltimore Orioles. He came over to the Braves in 2015, but struggled last season to a serious neck injury.

Markakis even highlighted the impact of the injury, stating that it was hard to even turn his head side to side, so it would come as no surprise to see him potentially struggle. But, he somehow managed to post a solid, .296 AVG/3 HR/53 RBI/.746 OPS line, albeit fighting through one of the most serious injuries that a player could suffer.

Now Markakis’ power is not coming back as age, health, and moving away from Camden Yards, has had an adverse effect. However, in a day and age where AVG is down and most batters swing at anything, Markakis still provides fantasy value.

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Most fantasy owners will look at him and dismiss him because they see him as an old veteran that offers no upside. While the ceiling may be low, the floor is extremely high and he profiles exactly how an OF5 should. Similar to Justin Upton’s situation in Detroit where he benefits from batting in front of Miguel Cabrera, Markakis sees a lot of pitches to hit thanks to batting in front of Freddie Freeman. He has not struck out more than 84 times since 2009, so his contact rates still remain solid.

What has been encouraging this season, besides his solid spring and avoiding injury, is the start that he has been able to get off to. After a slow first few games, he currently sits with a, .333 AVG/6 RBI/.968 OPS. Out of his eight hits so far, six have gone for extra bases, and that ability to split the gaps has been his calling card his whole career.

The Braves lineup is by no means a juggernaut and lacks depth. But, batting second in the order has its perks and should be able to supply with another 80 R/55 RBI season. He will not blow you away with outrageous weekly stat lines, but something has to be said for a guy that you can insert in the back of your lineup, yet helps stabilize your team. If you are not sold, give him this week to see if he can keep his hot streak going. But, the fact remains that when healthy, Markakis is a solid fantasy contributor.

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