Could the Atlanta Braves trade for Mookie Betts?

No thanks

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The Braves have two significant needs this offseason, with Josh Donaldson needing to be resigned and the additional need of at least one starting frontline pitcher, the Braves trying to acquire Betts makes no sense.

There is also the need to add a catcher and perhaps a bullpen piece or two. The money will add up fast, so it is difficult to see $27 million still being available after the needs being filled.

I would platoon Markakis and Duvall in right or left field until Pache is ready and use the resources available to address greater needs (Josh Donaldson, Zack Wheeler/Corey Kluber/etc.).

Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos values years of control when making “major” trades. Outside of the acquisition of Chris Martin this past July, Anthopoulos has traded for players that have multiple years of control: Kevin Gausman, Mark Melancon, and Shane Greene were all under contract for at least two years before free agency.

That, along with the ridiculous cost, makes a trade for Betts seem highly unlikely. If Betts was two or three years away from free agency, I could see Anthopoulos pulling the trigger and parting with Pache or Waters plus more.

But right now, the prospect capital and salary flexibility need to be used elsewhere. There is a line in the sand between going for it and being irresponsible.

Trading for Betts would be more of the latter than the former.