DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL East—3B competition in ATL

Atlanta Braves

Now that Chipper Jones (3B, ATL) has retired, the third base job is up for grabs. Juan Francisco (3B, ATL) and newly acquired Chris Johnson (3B, ATL) will compete for the position this spring.

Francisco hit .265/.296/.497 with 8 HR in 151 AB as a starter last season, but struck out in 20 K in his 41 pinch-hit AB. He has struggled against left-handed pitching in the majors (career .190/.224/.222), but he hit southpaws well during his 2011 minor league campaign (.269 with 6 HR and .798 OPS). The 25-year-old, at the urging of GM Frank Wren, spent the offseason getting into better shape and working on some adjustments to his swing. He hit well in the Dominican Winter League and has made significant strides on both...

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

For our final PT Tomorrow NL East column of 2026, we look past mañana and into the offseason and beyond--then stop for a well-earned rest.
Sep 25 2026 10:03am
As the 2026 season winds down, these players are just getting started
Sep 18 2026 3:05am
The AL West has some interesting options for some new playing time heading into 2027.
Sep 17 2026 3:03am
A slugging Yohandy Morales tries to pound out a spot for himself on the 2026 Nationals and beyond. Plus: SS in ATL; bench in PHI; Marsee in MIA; Tong at NYM; more.
Sep 15 2026 10:05am
This week, we point out an under-the-radar option in L.A., welcome starting pitchers back to Arizona and San Diego, check in on a favorite of ours in Colorado, and take a closer look at the Giants' starting rotation.
Sep 12 2026 3:05am

Tools