Atlanta Braves coach now names four players who have mutually agreed to part ways, including top superstar.
Three Braves Blockbuster Trade Hypotheses
Each passing day brings us closer to a very different-looking Braves squad. This is a club that, owing to injury, has some obvious flaws. Most teams would be out of a shot after losing the reigning NL MVP and pre-season Cy Young favorite for the season, but the Braves, who have a championship-caliber rotation and bullpen, cannot afford to lose this opportunity. All they need is a bit more offense, which is what Alex Anthopoulos will work on over the next several weeks.
In 2021, after the Braves lost Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season, Anthopoulos traded for four outfielders with expiring contracts. It cost the Braves virtually nothing, and they went on to win the World Series. Following that design would be ideal, but it is not that simple. The market will most likely define Alex Anthopoulos’ path this season, and it might provide the Braves with an opportunity to swing something much larger.
The Braves acquire Brent Rooker.
Brent Rooker blasted 21 home runs with a.942 OPS in the first half of the season and was not named an All-Star, which exemplifies everything wrong with the All-Star game, but I digress. The Oakland Athletics slugger is more of a DH than an outfielder, but that’s what they said about Jorge Soler when he was traded to the Braves in 2021. The Braves require offense, and from an offensive standpoint, there may not be a better outfield option available at this year’s trade deadline.
In this trade, the Braves give up three of their top pitching prospects. It’s a huge package, but it’ll probably take something like this to acquire a man who has been one of the league’s top offensive players this season and has three more years of control.
Rooker’s control will be highly sought after by many teams, but I believe it will work against the Braves because he does not fit defensively and cannot be used as a designated hitter. Marcell Ozuna cannot play outfield, and the Braves are likely to pick up his option for next season. Atlanta must consider Acuña’s health, as he may potentially serve as DH next season. If you include Rooker, the Braves will have three designated hitters on their roster next year. Alex Anthopoulos would have to have a strong belief in Rooker’s ability to play left field in order to make a deal for him.
