ATLANTA -- Free agent outfielder Nick Markakis and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a four-year contract, pending a physical.<br />
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The team announced the move Wednesday night.<br />
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The 31-year-old Markakis spent the first nine years of his career with the Baltimore Orioles. This past season, he batted .276 with 14 homers and 50 RBIs.<br />
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Markakis fills a void left by the recent trade of right fielder Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, it will surely step up talks on a potential deal for slugger Justin Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract, or perhaps Evan Gattis, who is set to move from catcher to left field if he remains with the Braves.
