Atlanta Braves need a left-handed bench bat: Curtis Granderson fits

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Other candidates

Unless teams let the word get out after the fact, we can’t say for certain which players already cleared the waiver process and which have yet to be put through. Generally, one-year contracts or players with big contracts clear along with players teams are definitely not going to trade.

Joe Mauer and Logan Morrison cleared waivers but Morrison needs season-ending hip surgery shortly afterward (also has a $1m option buyout) and Mauer is due about $6.9M this year. He also has 10/5 rights and hit a puny .267/.350/.358/.709 that includes only two homers against RHP.

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The Royals would probably move Lucas Duda if/when he clears waivers. As an everyday player Duda disappointed this season but against RHP his .267/.338/.455/.793 line, .342 wOBA, .187 ISO and 115 wRC+ are certainly worth considering. He also provides someone who plays first base for a living, albeit at a league average level.

When the Nationals inevitably give up the ghost, they might well part with Daniel Murphy. Murphy’s glove isn’t good at second and his knees aren’t as solid as they once were, but he hits RHP to the tune of .320/.367/*.477/.843 with a .359 wOBA and 124 wRC+ (we can disinfect his equipment so no “Natitude” rubs off on ours). Murphy’s also a proven postseason player who could backup Freddie Freeman at first base.

All of these players can be considered ‘rentals’ and none would be Qualifying Offer worthy, so they should be available for essentially nothing.

That’s a wrap

After scouring the teams likely to sell, these are the names that jumped out as possible fits for the Atlanta Braves. Duda may already be available but Murphy may not pass through waivers until we get closer to the end of the month.

In spite of having their heart ripped out in St Louis twice this week, the Nats cling to the

hope

fantasy they can challenge this season. That’s a truly under-performing group that probably needs to be adjusted.

Whether the Atlanta Braves will actually do the necessary and add a bat that’s a genuine threat off the pine is the real question. Clearly, there’s a need for a bench bat and a DH should we sneak through the NL and get to the World Series.

Aside from Mauer – who won’t go anywhere – none of the other names include a payroll risk that could not be offset by postseason gate money. None of the players suggested should require a big return, by definition these players are gone in a few weeks anyway. Even the Nationals wouldn’t be so churlish as to deny a player even a small chance at a ring.

The Anthopoulos-led front office did what it said it would do and took on salary when everyone said they would avoid it. Let’s hope they do it again.

Hey Rico!. dark. Next

The next two weeks should be interesting. Whatever happens, we’ll keep you informed and provide analysis here at the Take.

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