Well, never question that Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos isn’t willing to make the first move
The Atlanta Braves have a few questions going into this offseason, but most of the press is given to the future of Dansby Swanson and the shortstop position in general. However, a lot of the moves that teams across the league make are more minor and just seek to make incremental increases in the quality of the roster.
One area that the Braves may have been a bit deficient last season was bench depth. Sure, the Braves could fill vacancies due to injury in a pinch, but they didn’t have much in the way of upside. No one was excited to see Ehire Adrianza or Guillermo Heredia with a bat in their hands.
Well, the Braves gave themselves another bat option with their first trade of the offseason.
#Braves acquire OF Sam Hilliard from Rockies: pic.twitter.com/tqLjqWlzY6
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 6, 2022
Who is Sam Hilliard?
A former 15th round pick by the Rockies in the 2015 MLB, Hilliard has been a quad-A type of player for the Rockies over the last few years. While is stat line in the major leagues has certainly left something to be desired, his numbers in Triple-A last year were quite good as he slashed .308/.405/.669 line with 13 home runs in 37 games in the minor leagues. Again, one should temper your expectations with a guy that hasn’t been able to lock down a major league roster spot despite multiple opportunities, but Hilliard does have some power and upside and can play play all three outfield positions.
In return, the Rockies got Braves relief prospect Dylan Spain. The Braves drafted Spain in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB draft. Spain was a fun story of a guy that just went to an open tryout that happened to catch the eye of the Braves, signed for very little money, and has ended up being an interesting arm in the system that even started a few games last year. That said, he does seem destined for the bullpen and his numbers last year were decided not great as he struggled with his command.
It sure didn’t take long for the Braves to get the hot stove season started.