One could imagine that taking a $7 million pay cut after an All Star season would rankle anyone. Anyone, that is, aside from Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis.
Nick Markakis could not have had a better season prior to hitting free agency. The Atlanta Braves outfielder produced a solid .297/.336/.440 batting line, hitting 14 homers and 43 doubles. He made his first All Star Game and won his first Silver Slugger, while capturing his third Gold Glove award. While he may not have been expected to receive the four year, $44 million contract he signed in his last foray into free agency, Markakis was still expected to do pretty well.
Instead, he ended up signing a one year deal worth $4 million, with a team option for $6 million in 2020, with a $2 million buyout. While one could understand if Markakis would be displeased with his new contract, that is not the case.
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That is certainly a healthy viewpoint, and one that may get lost at times. Baseball, at its heart, really is a kids’ game, one where professionalism and money can sometimes get in the way. Obviously, as a professional, the object is to get paid as much as possible, but as Markakis has already made over $110 million throughout his career, other factors may be at work than financial considerations.
It is also not as though the Braves were the only suitors for Markakis’ services. The Marlins were reportedly also interested in the All Star, as they were looking for a left handed hitting outfielder. While nothing was mentioned in regards to any contract discussions, it is interesting that Miami was actually in on a veteran free agent.
In the end, it may simply have come down to where Markakis was comfortable and where he could win. He had spent the past four years with Atlanta, watching their young roster develop in front of him. Last year also marked just his second trip to the postseason in his 13 year career, giving him a rare trip to the playoffs. At this point, that comfort level, and a return to the postseason, may be far more important that whatever money other teams dangled before him.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis does not mind that he took a significant pay cut to remain come back. With a chance to return to the postseason and the comfort level he had established, some things are more important than money.