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Nick Markakis Enters Into a Four Year Agreement With Atlanta Braves
Nick Markakis is no longer a free agent. This is because Atlanta Braves has announced on its website that they have entered into a four year agreement with the outfielder. Though Markakis /4/be new to the team, he is a popular player among the fans because he was brought up in Atlanta.
The contract was worth $44 million. The situation is a win-win for all parties. Nick has not been signed by any team for quite some time and so the contract came when he needed it the most.
On the other hand, Braves have been desperately searching for a reliable outfielder and it seems their long search has come to an end.
The outfielder will now be able to keep in touch with his family and friends including the guys he schooled together with. Jim Johnson in particular is a very special friend. This is because fate got them playing for Orioles some time back.
Whoever said fate has a way of uniting people was not wrong because the two buddies will now be playing for Braves after Johnson was also brought on board last Wednesday.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez probably knows that the best deals are not closed on empty stomachs. And that is why he found it fitting to travel to Baltimore in advance so that he can discuss the issue over a meal with Markakis and his agent, Jamie Murphy. Gonzalez was accompanied by his assistant, John Coppolella.
There had been rumors earlier that Braves were looking to dispose either Justin Upton or Evans Gattis. The new signings have therefore been brought in at the right time to ensure that the team does not run out of outfielders in the event of trading Upton and Gattis.
Though Markakis performance has been on the low following his injury in 2012, he is still worth the $44 million because he recorded 276 battings in the last season. He actually participated in 155 matches while at Orioles.
He is therefore a reliable player because there are many players who have not suffered any injuries but can not match his performance.
Markakis is in deed a die hard because after facing the surgeon’s knife in 2012, he still managed to play in 54 games. However, his efforts were cut short thanks to a thumb injury brought about by CC Sabathia.
