Johan and the Moose

Some fans are still convinced that all the Braves need to advance in the playoffs is third baseman Mike Moustakas. They are raving lunatics. Let’s look at a few facts.

MM is one for his last 13. In eight years he has hit more than 22 home runs just one time. His career high OPS is .835. Next year his salary leaps to $15 million. That may be the market rate for him, but the Braves already have two third basemen capable of performing at a higher level. Atlanta would have to give up prospects to obtain Moustakas, but his acquisition would block both Johan Camargo and heralded third base prospect Austin Riley. Anyone still lobbying for the Braves to obtain Moose just doesn’t know what’s going on.

Camargo is not eligible for free agency until 2024, and cannot apply for arbitration until 2021. He can play any infield or outfield position. Johan has a higher career batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. This year Austin Riley’s numbers are even higher than Camargo’s. If anything, the Braves need to trade for relief pitchers.    

Let the Yankees overpay for Moose. Pair him with Judge, Didi, Stanton, and Sanchez and I’m sure he’ll put up around the same average numbers he always has. Perhaps he’s adjusted his launch angle. Unless Yankee Stadium proves to be too much of a pressure cooker. But now that he’s reached his 30’s, soon his production could start to decline.

.G..PA..AB..R..H..2B.3B.HR.BI.BB.K

87 372 339 39 85 18  1   17 56 25 59 MM

68 253 218 29 54 11  1   09 39 32 46 JC

58 237 216 30 66 15  3   11 41 21 72 AR

Avg.OBP.SLG.OPS.TB.GDP.WAR

251  306  460  767 156    9    1.8 MM 2018

248  348  431  779 094    7    1.5 JC 2018

306  371  556  927 120…………..AR 2018

avg.OBP.SLG.OPS

251  305  429  734 MM career

275  339  442  782 JC career

MM $5,500,000 (2019=$15,000,000)
JC   $0,555,000

AR will earn the rookie minimum, and will be under team control even longer than Camargo.