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3 Atlanta Braves players that won’t be on 2020 Opening Day roster

By Jake Mastroianni

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 4: Atlanta Braves mascot Homer stands at attention during the national anthem before the Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on April 4, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 4: Atlanta Braves mascot Homer stands at attention during the national anthem before the Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on April 4, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
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Austin Riley

Let me start by saying that this one comes with a caveat. I think the Braves are going to resign Josh Donaldson.

From what I can tell, both sides want to reconnect, and it makes sense for it to happen.

And if Donaldson is going to be here for two or three more years, then the Braves need to trade Austin Riley.

This is not an overreaction to Riley’s poor performance after the league started to figure him out. Rather, I think Riley still has a ton of value and the Braves could get a big piece for him.

If there is a team out there willing to trade a frontline starter or top 15 corner outfielder that will dramatically improve this team, Riley is a huge piece to help the Braves land that type of player.

I believe Riley still has a bright future in this league. I could easily see him being a .250 hitter with 30-40 home runs a year in the middle of a big league lineup.

But again, I’m banking on us getting that out of Donaldson at third.

And while Riley did an admirable job adjusting to left field, I value outfield defense and he’s below average out there.

I thought for a while now that Riley isn’t a fit for what the Braves are trying to do — or at least what I think they should do. Look for the Braves to toss his name around in trade discussions this offseason.

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