The Atlanta Braves They’ve also “discussed” an interest in left-handed outfielder Joc Pederson, tweeted noted Athletic journalist David O’Brien. It is clear to add that there is no indication that the talks between the two sides have gone particularly far at this point. Pederson would give the Braves a potential replacement for his fellow Dominican free spot Marcell Ozuna.
This former Gold Glove, former Silver Bat and former All Star is likely looking for a longer, more lucrative deal than Pederson, having performed brilliantly in 2020 with a one-year deal worth $ 18 million.
There will likely be room on the payroll for both players, especially if a deal with 30-year-old Ozuna is delayed a bit, but the current Braves regime generally leans towards short-term deals.
Pederson would likely need a platoon partner with the Braves (for the reasons detailed below). Speculatively speaking, Austin Riley could fill that role by going left against left-handed starters, with Johan Camargo as a substitute in the hot corner in those days.
The Panamanian Camargo, 27 years old and 1.83 meters long, is ambidextrous and is a .286 / .337 / .506 hitter for life when hitting from the right side of the record.