KC Royals: Why Trading For Nick Markakis Makes Sense

Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) is taken out by a slide by Atlanta Braves right fielder Nick Markakis (22) after turning a double play during the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3) NICK MARKAKIS IS A ROYALS KIND OF PLAYER

Right now, Nick Markakis’ batting line isn’t that impressive. He’s slashing .266/.363/.355 which gives him an adjusted on base plus slugging of 97 (3% below league average).

However, last season he hit .296/.370/.376 (OPS+ 110). To be honest, he pretty much looks like the same player in 2016, except he’s had a little less luck with batting average on balls in play (BABIP). Even as he is, Markakis does one thing that Kansas City Royals really need: he gets on base.

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Add in that he’s a left-handed hitter, has won a pair of right field Gold Gloves (his last one as recently as 2014), and that he’s more of a guy with gap power than a home run guy, and he’s a perfect fit for KC Royals baseball.

Markakis had teens home run power until 2015, when he hit three dingers with 38 doubles. In 2016, Markakis has 11 doubles without a home run. He’s a lefty bat that would help the Kansas City Royals at the top of the lineup (say the no. 2 hitter), which would allow Mike Moustakas to hit in an RBI position when he returns from his thumb injury.

Who knows, maybe the KC Royals could get lucky and Markakis might turn it on after they acquire him. Playing for a contender might give him a little extra juice that might help him focus through the daily grind instead playing for a no-hope team like Atlanta.

Next: Markakis' Contract Is Reasonable

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