Yes, Jonathan Villar is available; no, the Atlanta Braves should not trade for him

The Contrarian View

Admittedly, this one is close – the Braves could do this and then throw more money at a premium starting pitcher (via trade or free agency).  That’s one way to go about this.

Villar is going to be entering his 29 season and could be expected to provide close to .800 OPS, a couple-dozen homers (if the ball doesn’t change back… otherwise it’s Warning Track Power), and probably average defense wherever he’s placed on the field.

But the timing is also not quite right for the switch-hitting speed burner (40 steals last season).  Many 3B options are still available.  Many outfield options are still available (though a single-year commitment would certainly be in the Braves’ interest).  The off-season markets are still developing.

Of course, Villar himself might choose not to sign with a team right away.  On Tuesday, he’ll be a free agent, unfettered by an encumbrances like Qualifying Offers and such.

He could choose to wait and see how things unfold and determine where he’d get the best playing time situation.

So in total, this truly isn’t a ‘jump first and check the water level later’ situation:  it’s not an emergency by any stretch.  Teams – all of them – can afford to wait and see how things play out through the end of the year, and Villar can do likewise.

Could the Braves use such a player?  Yes.  Brian Snitker would have so many more options for shuffling positions late in games, for giving players days off, for using his speed… yeah:  all of that.

Would he be the one who makes all the difference for the season?  No – not likely.

So patience might be the best option here… for both sides.

One thing for sure:  Jonathan Villar will be a productive member of some team in 2020.  The Atlanta Braves could certainly use him.  They probably aren’t the club that needs him the most.