Braves GM may kill two birds with one stone at the MLB trade deadline.
Originally uploaded on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated: 7/18/24
For a variety of reasons, the Braves’ appearance will change dramatically in two weeks. On the injury front, Michael Harris II will return after the All-Star break. That will be a huge lift, and the trade deadline presents an opportunity for Atlanta to improve itself, just as it did in 2021.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is usually wheeling and dealing, and that will not change this time; the assumption is that Atlanta will be as active as any other team on the market due to its offensive deficiencies.
The outfield requires the most body support, while shortstop may be the weakest link among position players. The pitching staff may be improved as well. Given how inexpensive relief assistance may be at the deadline, Anthopoulos could bolster an already strong bullpen, while an extra starting pitcher would provide the Braves with much-needed insurance in case one of their top horses went down in the second half of the season
For example, while Kenley Jansen was on the club, the Braves acquired Raisel Iglesias, who had several years remaining on his deal. Jansen left in free agency, and Iglesias became the closer. Similarly, Atlanta traded for Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez, who were on expiring contracts but received new contracts the following summer.
The Braves have needs to address in 2024, but some of them will also exist in 2025, particularly in the outfield. With Ronald Acuna Jr. out with another ACL injury, Anthopoulos must work his magic.
Acuna might be demoted to DH to preserve his knee, which is presently occupied by Marcell Ozuna. In 2025, the Braves will almost certainly need another starter to join Michael Harris II and Jarred Kelenic. Anthopoulos may prefer an outfielder with several years of control at this year’s trade deadline.
When it comes to the future, the starting rotation might be much worse. If injuries do not occur, the Braves’ current starters are more than capable of leading the team to the World Series. However, with Max Fried’s free agency and Charlie Morton’s impending retirement, it will be at the top of Anthopoulos’ priority list this summer. I didn’t even mention Spencer Strider’s comeback from injury.
Anthopoulos’ bullpen is perhaps the team’s strongest unit, so acquiring another reliever at the deadline would be a strength-building move. That being said, AJ Minter is scheduled to enter free agency and has been Atlanta’s most dependable reliever since 2021. Orlando Arcia also cannot be the Braves’ starting shortstop in 2025. it, whether they solve it now or in the offseason, they must do it before the start of the following season.
The Braves’ focus will be on 2024, but it would be ideal if Anthopoulos could accomplish two goals at the same time by the end of this year.
