Atlanta has traded away an entire starting outfield this winter -- Jason Heyward went to the Cardinals in November, Justin Upton was shipped off to the Padres in December, and Evan Gattis was dealt last week to the Astros. Nick Markakis has been brought in on a four-year, $44 million contract to serve as the Braves’ new right fielder and B.J. Upton is going to get another shot in center. But what of left field?
MLB.com beat writer Mark Bowman reports that the Braves are in pursuit of free agent Jonny Gomes as a potential left-field platoon mate with Zolio Almonte. Gomes batted just .234/.327/.330 in 127 games last season between the Red Sox and A’s, but the right-handed hitter remains a productive slugger against left-handed pitching. Almonte is a switch-hitter, but his splits are much better from the left side.
So, uh, get excited Braves fans. You’re going to be the funnest girl at the dance.
