The Braves wouldn’t be where they are without the production they’ve gotten from some key guys they scooped up to account for injuries, and now with this team getting healthier, we have to start wondering which of these guys will be on the roster in 2020? Will some return to Gwinnett or find an MLB roster spot somewhere else? The Braves have very few holes, and Nick Markakis & Josh Donaldson’s free agency will no doubt play a role in this.
Rafael Ortega:
Ortega will always be famous in Braves lore for his grand slam against the Dodgers. However, he hasn’t found much success since then. He only has nine hits and is hitting .050 in September (1-20). That one moment will remain in the heads of Braves fans forever, but Ortega will either be elsewhere or in Gwinnett.
Adeiny Hechavarria:
Out of all of these guys, I think Adeiny has the 2nd best shot to stick. With Atlanta, he’s slashing .262/.347/.429 while playing stellar defense in Dansby Swanson’s absence. He’s also had some clutch moments, including a magnificent defensive play to end the game against Miami. He’s found a bit of power and seems to like it in Atlanta. I hope he sticks, I really do, but with Johan Camargo coming around, it’s going to be dicey. I still think Hech is a valuable bench piece for his bat, defense, and decent wheels.
Billy Hamilton:
One of my favorite pickups, Hamilton has been able to fill in for Ender Inciarte splendidly. He is who we thought he was, but he’s been better with the bat in his short stint with the Braves, hitting .261 with 3 SB in 17 games. He’s come up clutch with a pinch-hit 2-run single against the Mets to give us the lead as well. I like Billy, but I don’t think he has a place on this roster unless Inciarte and Markakis are both gone this offseason. If he can’t find a spot on an MLB roster, I’d love to have him in Gwinnett; however, that seems far-fetched. Some team can use him.
Francisco Cervelli:
Please, Please keep Francisco. He’s slashing .412/.474/.824 in a limited sample size, but like Adeiny, he seems to love Atlanta and the fan reception he’s received. He is better than Tyler Flowers, and Brian McCann isn’t getting any younger. For his career, Cervelli is a .270 hitter and already won over Braves fans with four hits including three doubles in his debut. I think if anyone sticks around out of these four guys, it’s Cervelli.