As we prepare for the July 31 MLB trade deadline, we take a look at some players and positions that should be on the Atlanta Braves shopping list.
There is only one trade deadline this year, which will come on July 31, and the Atlanta Braves should be active between now and then.
With only having that one trade deadline this sesaon, that means teams will likely start looking to make trades sooner than normal.
We’ve already seen some of that with the Philadelphia Phillies getting Jay Bruce from Seattle, and the New York Yankees getting Edwin Encarnacion — also from the Mariners.
MLB Trade Rumors recently put out it’s ‘Top 50 Trade Candidates for the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline.’
This gives us as fans a great shopping list of players who could potentially be available for the Atlanta Braves.
Before we get into who the Atlanta Braves might target on that list, let’s first establish the areas where the team needs to improve.
Bench: The starting lineup is pretty set right now, but the Atlanta Braves could make a move to improve the bench.
A lot will depend on what they do with Ender Inciarte when he comes back. Charlie Culberson isn’t going anywhere, and Matt Joyce has proved his worth off the bench.
The only potential upgrade on the bench would be to replace Johan Camargo — who hasn’t had a great season after being regulated to the bench after doing great as a starter in 2018.
But still, I think the bench for the Atlanta Braves is great and much deeper than it was last year. However, if there is a chance to make an upgrade there, they have to consider it a possibility.
Starting Rotation: Even after acquiring Dallas Keuchel, there is still a need for the Atlanta Braves to upgrade their starting rotation.
I think a lot of this depends on how Keuchel looks over his first three or four starts, and if Mike Foltynewicz turns it around.
In a postseason series, I’d feel comfortable with Mike Soroka, Keuchel, and the 2018 version of Folty. I love the Julio Teheran story, but I’m not sure I trust his stuff in a postseason start.
I’d feel a lot more comfortable if the Atlanta Braves got another veteran starter atop the rotation if the goal is to compete for a World Series this year, which it should be.
Bullpen: This is the one area where something has to be done. I like our chances of making the postseason and possibly making some noise with the lineup and starting pitching we have, but if we don’t improve the bullpen those chances drop significantly.
Luke Jackson has been a great story and has had a great run as the team’s closer, but we need a more experienced closer for the second half and postseason if we make it there.
We could also use another setup man or two for the seventh and eighth innings.
I predict that the Atlanta Braves will make three trades before the July 31 trade deadline. Two for a reliever and one for a starter.
Now let’s see who should be on their shopping list.