Luckily, the Braves are in an excellent position to fill the DH role that will exist in 2020 — if there is indeed a season — compared to most of their counterparts. They have a duo of former All-Star outfielders who form a formidable platoon option with their lefty-righty splits, and an up and coming young star in Austin Riley. However, the question remains: can the Braves rely on both Riley and Johan Camargo out of the gate? They may not have to, but they could explore adding a bat to the mix, whether it be on a big-league or minor league pact to keep up with American League teams. Let’s take a look at a few remaining options that might be in the mix for Atlanta.
Yasiel Puig
As previously mentioned, the Braves may be just fine platooning Duvall and Markakis at DH during the season. However, that strategy could go right out the window with a single injury to an outfielder. If the Braves want a reliable option at DH to keep up with the American League teams, Puig is by far the best bat on the market. He has similar production to that of Marcell Ozuna, but was already being valued considerably less in free agency and now will likely be due half of what he could have received because of COVID-19. If the Braves are serious about winning a championship and keeping up with the high-powered AL teams, this may not be as far fetched as some think.
Mark Trumbo
The Braves could likely land Trumbo on a minor league deal. There are two guarantees with him: a ton of homers and a ton of strikeouts. However, if the team is looking for a cheap source of power at DH or merely a bench option who can change the game with one swing, he fits the bill. It certainly would not hurt to have him in the organization in some capacity.
Scooter Gennett
Someone, please explain to me how Scooter Gennett does not have a job. Sure, he was abysmal in 2019. However, the two seasons prior, he was an All-Star and one of the most underrated players in the game. I predicted a few months ago that whoever gives Gennett a one-year prove-it deal could end up with the steal of the offseason, but it did not make sense for Atlanta with the presence of Ozzie Albies. However, there is now an opening he could assume. At the very least, he is a valuable bench piece, but he could end up having an All-Star caliber bounce-back season for merely the league minimum.
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