House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves: 6 offseason mock trades from the fans

By Jake Mastroianni

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 12: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring the game-winning run in the 8th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on July 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 12: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring the game-winning run in the 8th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on July 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – MAY 29: Mitch  Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners hits a two-run home run off of relief pitcher Drew Smyly #33 of the Texas Rangers that also scored Mallex Smith #0 of the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning of a game at T-Mobile Park on May 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 29: Mitch  Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners hits a two-run home run off of relief pitcher Drew Smyly #33 of the Texas Rangers that also scored Mallex Smith #0 of the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning of a game at T-Mobile Park on May 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Mitch Haniger

Last offseason there was a lot of talk about the Atlanta Braves possibly trying to trade for Mitch Haniger. It was believed at the time that the Seattle Mariners wanted to make him the centerpiece of their rebuild.

With another season gone by, and a disappointing one at that for Haniger, the Braves may try again.

First of all, the Mariners probably aren’t going to trade Haniger while his value is low. If anything, they may wait and hope he rebuilds that value in 2020 and then either trade him during the season or next offseason.

He still has three seasons left before he becomes a free agent.

As far as the package suggested here, I think it would definitely take more. And I don’t think Ender makes sense for a team that is likely two or three more seasons away from contending.

Instead, it would probably take either Cristian Pache or Drew Waters, Touki Toussaint, and maybe a lower level prospect.

I know most Atlanta Braves fans think its blasphemy to talk about trading Waters or Pache, but at some point the Atlanta Braves will have to deal a top prospect in order to turn this team into a World Series threat.

Haniger was an All-Star in 2018 hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI.

Last year he had some struggles early and then had a rather unusual injury that kept him out for over half the season.

The 28-year-old outfielder only played in 63 games last year and hit just .220 with 15 home runs and had an OPS of .779.

Still, if he can come back healthy this is a bat that would be a difference-maker in the lineup.

But again, I doubt the Mariners try and trade him this offseason with his value so low and him being so far away from free agency.

This may be one we revisit during the 2020 season once he proves himself healthy and effective again. But if the Mariners are willing to trade him this offseason, the Atlanta Braves should definitely give it a shot.

Just be prepared to part with a top prospect like Pache or Waters.

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