Fansided

Braves: 3 overpaid players we need to immediately break up with

By Brad Berreman

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 12: Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 12: Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
Aug 6, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Nick Markakis (22) celebrates after a walk-off home run with relief pitcher Mark Melancon (36) and catcher Travis d’Arnaud (16) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves could be active this offseason and payroll is not in line to be a concern, but these three players stand out as overpaid.

The Atlanta Braves reached the NLCS for the first time since 2001 this year. They fell just short of the World Series, losing in seven games to the eventual champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Looking to 2021, the Braves are among the teams that can make a case for a big move or two this offseason. Money is not lined up to be a major concern, with $89.9 million in currently projected payroll (via Spotrac, with arbitration projections included). A trade for Kris Bryant or a run at George Springer in free agency is possible, with Marcell Ozuna’s possible departure for a multi-year deal elsewhere leaving a void in the lineup.

A look at the Braves’ payroll for 2021 shows two players making over $10 million next year-first baseman Freddie Freeman and reliever Will Smith. So a lot of options can be on the table, and GM Alex Anthopoulos has not been afraid to make moves with a win-now window in mind.

The Braves don’t have to offload money to open the door to what could be an active offseason. They could just re-sign Ozuna and some other internal free agents, and run it back pretty much as-is next year. But here are three overpaid players they should look to part ways with this offseason.

3.. OF, Free Agent. . Nick Markakis. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 17

It’s hard to call someone who made $4 million last year overpaid. Markakis initially opted out of the 2020 season, which no one criticized. But he reversed course and decided to play, then delivered mediocre results (.254/.312/.392 slash-line, one home run, 15 RBI over 141 plate appearances).

Markakis is little more than a mid-grade left-handed bat and extra outfielder at this stage of his career. Even with the uniqueness of the 2020 campaign to note, he is not too far removed from a good 2018 season (.297, 43 doubles, 93 RBI), Markakis is hitting free agency with an unclear market that puts retirement into the conversation.

Markakis returned to his native Georgia to play for the Braves. But that novelty story is six seasons in now, not to mention faded with declining results. The Braves should have no trouble aiming higher to fill the same role.

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