Prep-Work for Atlanta Braves Trade Deadline

Let’s get our Atlanta Braves younger, shall we?

With the additions of Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Mallex Smith as regulars in the 2017 lineup, the Braves will still have openings at 3rd base and catcher. However, there’s a dilemma created by the additions of the above 3 and that is that they all lack above-average power.

This season, we’ve all seen the effects of the lack of power in a lineup.  A power-hitting 3rd baseman and a power-hitting catcher are pretty difficult to find, and literally there are ZERO 2017 free agents that fit that bill. If the Braves are going to fill these holes with over the fence pop, it’ll likely have to come via trade.

The veterans above likely aren’t going to bring back what the Braves need, but there are veterans that make sense to ship now to make the team better for the future.

Braves should shop Nick Markakis and Julio Teheran

There are many teams who would jump all over the idea of trading for Markakis or Teheran.

Markakis, although lacking power, provides a high-OBP, and steady defense in RF. An acquiring team could choose to move Markakis to LF which would likely make his above average arm in RF an elite arm in LF. Furthermore, Markakis has a very reasonable contract compared to today’s standards and wouldn’t handicap future plans of acquiring team.

Teheran is very similar to Markakis in regards to steady production. However, his contract is what sets him apart as it’s is incredibly reasonable and runs through 2019 with a 2020 option. Teams would pay a pretty penny to have Teheran penciled into their rotation for 3 or 4 more years.  If you don’t think so, then look no further than Stephen Strasburg’s new contract.

Let’s look at some teams who could be in the market for an outfielder, starting pitcher, or even both, and evaluate what the Braves could snag for the future.

Trade Partner 1: Houston Astros

Good match for both Markakis and Teheran

Carlos Gomez has been a black hole in the Astros outfield. He’s been penciled in at CF for the season and has performed below average at the plate and in the field. Luckily for the Astros, they have 2 corner outfielders capable of slotting into CF with ease, sliding Markakis into either corner OF spot.

Rotation- 5.04. That’s the ERA of the Astros starting staff. Needless to say they won’t be demoting last year’s Cy Young Winner Dallas Keuchel, but someone will have to make room for Teheran.

The Deal: The Astros just called up Colin Moran to man 3rd base and have moved top prospect Alex Bregman off of shortstop at Double-A to get reps at third base as well. One of them likely doesn’t stick around for the long haul.

• Braves get:  3B Alex Bregman, OF Carlos Gomez (contract up at season’s end), and RHP Akeem Bostick
• Astros get:  Julio Teheran, Nick Markakis, and John Gant

Next: Lots More are in line for this