The Braves hosted their annual ChopFest this weekend and while much of the event focused on current players, coaches and executives, there were some tidbits given that need to be dissected.
It appears the end is coming for the outfield need that the Braves have had all offseason… or at least that is what Braves general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, indicated this weekend at ChopFest.
While Anthopoulos keeps the specifics close to the vest and trades or signings come out of nowhere (see the Josh Donaldson signing and the Matt Kemp trade), he is really good about letting people know where he stands on trades or potential free agents.
Today was no different.
After suggesting last week at a Fan A-List event that a trade was ’70 percent in agreement’, Anthopoulos went on further to say Saturday that the Braves could add an outfielder before much longer and there is a situation that could be resolved soon.
The Athletic’s David O’Brien tweeted the following on the subject:
#Braves have been focused on outfielders in recent talks, Anthopoulos said possible that could add one before much longer, that there’s situation that could be resolved soon with one. Also continue looking at starters and relievers. Said some FA talks could stretch into spring.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 19, 2019
#Braves' Anthopoulos said there were probably 3 outfielders available via free agency or trades who are fits for what team wants, and that at least one of them is a player who's been in trade discussions but not been mentioned publicly, i.e. not made it into the rumor mill.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 20, 2019
O’Brien also added this, more specific nugget:
To clarify my confusing tweet: #Braves hope to add an OF who’s a legit cleanup-type hitter, but if not then Acuña might move to cleanup. Acuña said he’ll hit wherever they want him to, but he also said he really likes the leadoff spot.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 19, 2019
MLB’s Mark Bowman suggested there are probably three outfield targets still available, whether that is free agency or trade. Anthopoulos added that one of those targets is not somebody who has been publicly discussed.
Let’s put the common sense dots together, while trying to determine who those three targets might be… and who might be close to roaming the outfield at SunTrust Park.