How should the Atlanta Braves respond after the Acuna news?
Perhaps the most well-timed All-Star break ever for the Atlanta Braves is upon us.
No doubt that Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopolous’ phone is sending a ton of texts and outgoing phone calls to other GM’s across the game.
This past Saturday, the Braves were dealt an enormous blow. The worst possible scenario we could think of happened, with that of course being Ronald Acuna getting injured and as we all know by now will miss the rest of the 2021 season and most likely a small part of the 2022 season.
This of course leaves the Atlanta Braves with a current outfield of Arcia, Heredia, and Adrianza.
With all due respect to each of those players, because they all are capable and have provided the Braves with value this year, but they are a far cry from Ozuna, what we expected from Pache, and of course Acuna.
The first domino to help a little seems to be on the verge of happening as it seems the only thing left to do about acquiring Adam Eaton is officially announce the small trade.
That completes all the doom and gloom. The good news is the rest of the NL East is a complete mess and it seems like no one really wants to win the division and go play some October baseball.
Despite sitting 1 game under .500 the Atlanta Braves are only 4 games back of the Mets and right on the heels of the Phillies for second in the division.
As most probably know though, the Braves start to the second half of the season is absolutely loaded with tough opponents and it very likely could make or break the Atlanta Braves season. Opponents like the Rays, Padres, and Brewers all have series against the Braves before the end of July.
If the trade deadline was today, I see no reason or rhyme as to why the Atlanta Braves would not be buyers.
As we just covered, the team is still only 4 games back and possibly a 5 or 6 game winning streak from being even with the Mets.
Again we go back to the brutal start to the second half for the schedule and it truly is going to make or break the 2021 Atlanta Braves season. If they come out and go 3-7 over the first ten games, then yeah it might be time to see what you can get for some expendable pieces like Charlie Morton, Drew Smyly, or maybe a contract like Will Smith?
Even if that were to happen, the Atlanta Braves could still theoretically be buyers. My personal belief is I hate the term “seller”. The basis of every trade should be buying, whether its for the now or buying prospects for the future.
With that being said, I think the smart route for the Braves is whatever happens over the next few weeks, the Braves should buy, but just try to acquire players who can not only help in 2021, but 2022 and perhaps beyond.
No one expects the Braves to suddenly be non competitive next year, so acquiring higher end players still makes sense.
Besides, no one can come in and single handedly replace Ronald Acuna who was probably the NL MVP if you buy the notion that Jacob deGrom should not be in the race.
However, acquiring a couple pieces and having the hopeful healthy return for both Travis d’Arnaud and Huascar Ynoa could be enough to light a spark under the team and propel them to October where as we know anything can happen.
So who are the players who could be of interest to the Atlanta Braves with the idea of multiple years of help?
The following six players are probably the six biggest names who could be moved that help the Braves with that notion.
- Mitch Haniger– Despite the good play from the Mariners, they surprisingly seem willing to listen to offers for their star outfielder who has returned to his all star ways in 2021. He’d fit in nicely in the Braves lineup.
- Anthony Santander– A lower cost alternative could be someone like Santander who is having a down year in 2021, but then again he has been injured multiple times so far this season.
- Ketel Marte– It is pretty obvious that the Diamondbacks are going nowhere fast, and the Braves could easily find a spot for the versatile fielder who can also hit the ball as consistent as anyone in the game.
- Joey Gallo– We’ve covered this one here on the site already, but quite simply, his power would be a beautiful thing inserted into this Atlanta Braves lineup.
- Whit Merrifield– Not only did the Braves lose the best young player in baseball, but they lost the team’s leadoff man as well. Adding Merrifield would solve that problem as he can steal bases and flat out hit well.
- Trey Mancini– The Orioles could try to move the best comeback story in all of baseball. Many teams would be interested and I am sure the Braves would be one of those teams.
I do believe it is important to take note that none of this solves any of the bullpen issues that have plagued the Atlanta Braves since day one. They will obviously have to address that issue one way or another before the deadline passes as well.
Next. New kid on the block. dark
So again, the Atlanta Braves can’t single handedly replace what they lost in Acuna but all hope is not lost. They have the potential to go out and acquire good players and compete still. Let us know in the comment section below who you would like to see the team go after.