Atlanta Braves trade deadline shopping list for 2019

Bench Upgrade

Again, upgrading the bench isn’t a high priority right now. I think our bench is great and is certainly more of a threat than it was going into the playoffs last year.

However, you never know what injuries could happen over the next month. And like I said earlier, Johan Camargo hasn’t been the same off the bench this year and could be replaced.

If the Atlanta Braves do decide to make an upgrade on the bench, I would love to see them get a player with some speed.

Right now the Braves rank 20th in the entire league in stolen bases with 26, and they’re 26th in stolen base percentage at 63.4 percent.

That’s not very good, especially for a young team that can run.

I understand the general rule today is to not give away outs and wait on the 3-run home run, but still, we should be a little more aggressive on the bases.

But the other part of this is, we have some guys in the lineup who are station-to-station players. Both of our catchers are anchors on the base paths, while Josh Donaldson and Nick Markakis don’t possess blazing speed either.

When we need a run late in a game, it would be nice to have someone come off the bench who can steal a base and score a run for you.

As great as Culberson and Joyce have been, they aren’t those guys. If Inciarte is kept on the team and relegated to bench duty, then he could be a great fit for this role.

But if not, the Braves should consider trading for someone like Dee Gordon.

He’s stolen at least 30 bases in five straight years and he can play second, short, and center field. Gordon also is a solid hitter with a career average of .289.

Bargain shopping: Other players who could fill this need include — Jonathan Villar, Kevin Pillar, and Billy Hamilton.