3 UP & 3 Down – 3 Players Atlanta Braves Should Trade For and 3 They Shouldn’t

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 02: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Kansas City Royals on May 2, 2021 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 02: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Kansas City Royals on May 2, 2021 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Atlanta Braves Two Up: Kris Bryant, Cubs

Kris Bryant has spent time at all three outfield positions, third base, and first base in 2021.

Bryant has a phenomenal .885 career OPS which is good for a 134 OPS+ over that time.

While he has spent the majority of his career at third base, he has posted a positive mark in defensive runs saved in the outfield.

He’s a capable defender with a great bat and a great eye.

This fourt-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, MVP, and World Series Champion would make a huge impact on the Braves thin outfield group. His bat would be an instant level up to our lineup.

He is in the last year of his deal and may carry a high price but there’s no doubt he represents one of the biggest trade targets of the deadline.

Atlanta Braves Two Down: Kyle Gibson

Kyle Gibson has a career 4.47 ERA with a 4.57 entering the 2021 season. It has been suggested that the Braves should inquire about acquiring the righty.

He has been very good in 2021 with the addition of his cutter. He has earned his first All-Star appearance and currently sits on a 2.87 ERA.

The Rangers are going to look to move the veteran hurler. His spotty track record causes hesitance.

The Braves also have a solid group of starters in Morton, Anderson, Fried, Smyly (hasn’t lost in his last nine starts) Toussaint, and the returning Huascar Ynoa.

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