The Atlanta Braves, fresh off of a 2019 NL East title, have decided to re-sign two of their key players from last season in outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Tyler Flowers.
The Braves signed Flowers, who is now 33-years-old, to a one-year, $4 million deal to serve as either a platoon or backup catcher in the 2020 season.
Markakis, who will play his sixth season with the Braves and his 15th in the league next year, signed the same contract, for one year and $4 million dollars, and will likely serve in a similar role to Flowers in the Braves’ already-crowded outfield.
Flowers and Markakis were both productive in 2019. Flowers played in 85 games for Atlanta, sharing time with Brian McCann, and hit .229 with 11 home runs. He was most widely praised for his work with the glove, as he is considered to be a strong defensive catcher.
Markakis batted .285 with 9 home runs in 116 games for Atlanta, turning in another productive season at the plate despite missing nearly two months with a broken hand.
The Braves will certainly look to add more pieces this off-season via free agency and trades, but the signings of Flowers and Markakis provide veteran leadership and quality talent to a squad that will look to compete for a World Series next year.
