PT TOMORROW: NL East—Might Acuna open 2018 in the ATL outfield?

Atlanta Braves

The Braves don’t have many question marks in terms of position players heading toward 2018. There are two main areas to monitor in the coming months—right field and third base.

As we have written previously, top prospect Ronald Acuna (OF, ATL) is expected to compete for a starting outfield job in spring training. The 19-year-old has had a tremendous year, slashing .325/.374/.522 with 21 HR and 44 SB in 557 AB combined between Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A, including a .344/.393/.548 line with 9 HR and 11 SB in 221 AB with Triple-A Gwinnett. Nick Markakis (OF, ATL) would most likely be traded to make room for Acuna, as his contract makes him a much more attractive option than Matt Kemp (OF, ATL) would. Markakis will be...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

First base in Miami has been a hard position to rule for years, but a few players are vying for the crown. Plus: Riley in ATL; RF at NYM; CF in PHI; Littell in WAS; more.
Mar 17 2026 3:07am
Carson Williams has been staking his claim to the starting shortstop job for Tampa Bay, plus more from around the AL East as camps wind down.
Mar 17 2026 3:05am
NL West rotations are mostly set, but the rosters still have plenty of room for shuffling during the spring's remaining weeks.
Mar 14 2026 3:04am
Shane Drohan may be the most intriguing piece in the return for Caleb Durbin.
Mar 13 2026 3:05am
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am

Tools