Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) – The Atlanta Braves welcomed free agent
outfielder Nick Markakis to the fold on Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a
four-year contract.
No terms were reported by the team, but multiple sources indicated a $44
million price tag for the duration.
The 31-year-old Markakis hit .276 and collected 14 home runs, 27 doubles, 81
runs scored and 50 RBI over 155 games for the AL East champions in 2014. He
will be counted on to replace the offense and defense supplied by Jason
Heyward, who was dealt to the Cardinals on Nov. 17.
Born on Long Island but raised in Georgia, Markakis leaves the only franchise
he’s played for with a career average of .290, 141 homers, 316 doubles, 658
RBI and 749 runs scored over 1,365 appearances. He won his second Gold Glove
award in 2014.
Earlier in the day, the Braves inked Markakis’ former Orioles teammate and
reliever Jim Johnson to a one-year contract.
