Atlanta Braves Trade Targets: Outfielder Ian Happ
We continue our series looking at potential trade deadline targets for the Atlanta Braves by looking at another outfielder that makes sense in Ian Happ.
With the injury of Adam Duvall, the Atlanta Braves need to find another big bat for the lineup moved to the top of the trade deadline shopping list.
Of course, we all hope Eddie Rosario can come back from eye surgery and be that dude we saw go off at the end of last season, but for a team looking to repeat, you want to try and avoid as many “what ifs” as possible.
Yesterday I wrote about Brandon Drury as someone who could help fill the absence of Duvall, but Ian Happ is another name worth monitoring.
The Chicago Cubs should certainly be active at the deadline and have several relievers who they could package with Happ like David Robertson and Mychel Givens.
Braves Trade Deadline Target: Why Ian Happ Fits
One thing the Braves lineup could certainly use more of are hitters who aren’t afraid to take a walk.
As good as Atlanta’s offense is, they’ve taken the 10th fewest free passes in baseball, and as a result are just 17th in OBP.
Happ’s 10.9% walk rate would be second among Braves starters only behind Matt Olson’s 11.4% walk rate.
And while Happ has racked up the strikeouts in the past, his 21.4% strikeout rate this season would be among the best with the Braves.
And the 27-year-old switch-hitter has always had good power with double-digit homers in his first five seasons. This year he only has nine, but already has a career-high 24 doubles.
He’s also in the 70th percentile for spring speed and can swipe a bag if needed.
While he’s played center in the past, his defense profiles better in a corner, which is where he would play for the Braves.
On top of all that, Happ wouldn’t just be a rental as he’s controllable for another season through arbitration.
However, that does make him a little more expensive as the deadline approaches — especially if you pair him with a reliever.
Next. 3 Trade Targets to Replace Ian Anderson. dark
But Ian Happ is another trade deadline target that makes sense for what the Braves need if they can get him for the right price.