The offseason is infamous for bringing out some truly ridiculous trade proposals. The number of "experts" who have created ridiculous trade packages to acquire guys like Ronald Acuña Jr., Tarik Skubal, and even Shohei Ohtani is not small, and that is just over the last few years. It is a time-honored tradition. However, that doesn't mean it isn't fun to dream a bit, and the Atlanta Braves may have one pie-in-the-sky trade idea which addresses their vacant shortstop spot and may make more sense than you think.
With both Ha-Seong Kim and Mauricio Dubon set to hit free agency, the Braves do not have a shortstop right now, or at least one they should be happy about using. The safe route this offseason would be to re-sign Dubon, let him hold shortstop down for a year, and then see if any of Atlanta's infield prospects separate themselves.
Alternatively, the Braves could shoot for the moon and try to trade for Elly De La Cruz if the Reds follow Joey Votto's cue and actually make him available.
Building a trade package for Elly De La Cruz that works for both sides is easier said than done
As one of the absolute best shortstops, period, who is also under team control through the 2029 season, any trade for De La Cruz would be incredibly costly and rightly so. Given that De La Cruz and his agent, Scott Boras, already turned down a 10-year, $225 million extension from the Reds, the Braves would also have to be content with the idea of losing the star shortstop to free agency. However, one previous trade that could be helpful as a blueprint is the deal that sent Juan Soto from the Nationals to the Padres in 2022.
While not a perfect comparison, the Soto trade is at least a starting point. If the Reds are going to be convinced to part with their superstar shortstop, they will need quite the package in return. Cincinnati arguably has too many high-profile infield prospects as things stand, so matching player-for-player the Padres' package for Soto, which consisted of CJ Abrams, James Wood, Mackenzie Gore, Robert Hassell, Jarlin Susana, and Luke Voit, probably wouldn't work anyway. However, the Braves COULD put together a trade package that would at least make the Reds curious.
This would be a starting point for trade talks, as including some lesser names on either side might be necessary to even the talent and/or money out. Cam Caminiti plays the role of Gore in this trade package as a left-handed starter who isn't far from the majors. With infielders not making the most sense to get Cincinnati's attention, Atlanta would almost certainly have to include top outfield prospect Eric Hartman, and Conor Essenburg is a quality outfield prospect who is a little further away that is built perfectly for Great American Ball Park.
Where things get tricky is in the inclusion of big-league talent, which may be mandatory from the Reds’ perspective. Spencer Strider's trade value isn't particularly high right now, but he still has major upside, and the Reds need more pitching. If Cincy doesn't think Strider can stay healthy, some combination of Ethan Bagwell, Brett Sears, and/or Owen Murphy could work.
Now, SHOULD the Braves make this move? That is less certain, and Alex Anthopoulos has certainly never made this sort of all-in move while running the Braves. However, it is the type of trade package that will be required if Atlanta wants to swing for the fences and take advantage of the fact that the Reds probably can't afford to keep De La Cruz much longer.
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