Braves predicted to sign 39-HR slugger, Triple Crown winner to fill void left by Jurickson Profar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves are heading into another interesting offseason as they determine which areas need the most attention and which ones require less work. Obviously, the starting rotation needs attention, and the outfield could use some help as well.
Left field has been a problem for the last two seasons, largely because of Jurickson Profar. He has been suspended in each of his first two years with Atlanta.
“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote.
The Braves tried to give Lane Thomas some playing time in left field after the trade deadline, but it didn’t go as planned.
“The Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and minor league left-hander Bailey Falter from the Royals in exchange for two minor league pitchers Saturday. Thomas, 30, is slashing .232/.326/.393 in 97 games with the Royals this year. He has played mostly center field in Kansas City but will move over to left field in Atlanta and likely platoon with Mike Yastrzemski. Thomas is a career .288 hitter against left-handed pitching," ESPN wrote.
The outfield still needs help, especially in the form of another bat. SI’s Harrison Smajovitts believes the Braves should sign Japanese star Teruaki Sato.
“He can also play in the outfield, with 262 games played at the position in the NPB. It's his primary position, that's third base (more on that momentarily), but it's not a position that he's only tried out a handful of times. Upon arrival, Sato will be one of their top left-handed bats alongside Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris II. Beyond them, the Braves' best left-handed bat who isn't a switch hitter is Mike Yastrzemski. Sato is an everyday player, not just someone whose job is to bash righties. However, having that extra left-handed bat could do wonders,” Smajovitts wrote.
Sato could be used as an outfield option in left field or potentially right field when Ronald Acuña Jr. gets a day off. He would be a great pickup, as Sato is a Triple Crown winner.
Sato also hit 39 home runs last season, so the power is clearly there. Atlanta needs someone who can provide stability in left field, and Sato could bring exactly that to the table. The Braves need this type of player to strengthen their lineup and improve their outfield production.
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