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Atlanta Braves: Low-cost outfield options to consider

By Matthew Browning

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Trey Mancini #16 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Trey Mancini #16 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves Mitch Haniger
Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Trey  Mancini

If the Braves do not have to part with any prospects to fill the power void in their lineup, then they can trade some to upgrade the outfield spot.

Trey Mancini was one very few bright spots for the Baltimore Orioles last season, as he hit 35 homers with 97 runs batted in. He had a line of .291/.364/.525.

The problem is Mancini’s defense, which is essentially non-existent. According to FanGraphs he had -8 Defensive Runs Saved and -6 UZR. Those are brutal numbers and really do not fit what Alex Anthopoulos looks for.

But with two well above-average defenders in center field and right field, the Braves might be able to chance Mancini’s defense in order to acquire his bat.

Surprisingly, Mancini’s trade value is decent and it would likely cost the Braves a couple of middle-tier prospects. Mancini is projected to earn $5.7 million in his first trip to arbitration.

By bringing Mancini in, the Braves could then be extremely patient with the Waters and/or Pache.

Mitch  Haniger

Since this is my last post of 2019, it is only fitting that I mention Mitch Haniger, who I have clamored for the Braves to acquire over the past year.

Haniger’s 2019 season was mostly lost due to multiple injuries, but in 2018, he hit 26 home runs with 93 RBI. He slashed .285/.366/.493 with a 6.1 WAR.

Even though the Mariners will likely be one of the worst teams in the American League, it would make sense for General Manager Jerry DiPoto to let Haniger regain his value throughout the first few months of the season.

Right now his trade value would net the Mariners one really nice prospect and a couple of lesser prospects.

Let me dream one last time of an Acuna-Albies-Freeman-Donaldson-Haniger lineup before 2020 arrives.

dark. Next. Top 6 moments of 2019

Conclusion

For the past couple of decades, the Braves have never really been an organization that makes luxury signings or trades, so it seems far-fetched that any of these players will don a Braves uniform to start the season.

But if there is one thing we all can agree on, do not ever underestimate Anthopoulos and his staff. Just when we think it cannot happen, it will.

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