While we are right in the middle of hot stove season, actual moves from the Atlanta Braves (or anyone else for that matter) have been decidedly lacking so far. With so many teams still within sniffing distance of a playoff spot, the number of teams that are actually selling at the trade deadline could be few and far between. Complicating matters is that the worst teams this year are the worst, well, every year and don't have much to offer.
For the Braves, their primary need remains in the outfield. Ronald Acuna Jr. is out for the season and the latest word is that Michael Harris II isn't going to be back until August which has left the Braves' normally formidable outfield in desperate need of reinforcements. Despite the overall lack of players that are obviously available on the trade market, the Braves still seem have some options they are exploring that could give them a boost.
Here are a couple of Braves trade rumors that we hope happen as well as one that the Braves really should pass on.
Atlanta trading for Randy Arozarena could be a great long-term play
There is no denying that Randy Arozarena isn't exactly having a banner season with the Rays in 2024. He is slashing just .212/.314/.391 with 14 homers and is one of numerous reasons why Tampa has been such a big disappointment this year. However, Arozarena still has a lot going for him as a potential trade target and has been mentioned as a deadline fit for the Braves a few times already.
Despite his down season, Arozarena is still considered to be one of the most dynamic players in baseball when he is on and is generally a lock to give you around an .800 OPS. He also loves the high pressure environment of the postseason which Atlanta seemingly needs given a pair of first round exits the last two years. Arozarena does have a couple years of team control left which will increase his price tag, but trading for him now would allow Atlanta to buy low on him now and give the Braves a quality outfielder to fill in next season as well while Acuna Jr. rehabs from knee surgery.
The Braves don't need the potential headaches that Tommy Pham would bring
Always a popular name this time of year, Tommy Pham once again finds himself readily available on the market ahead of the trade deadline. He gave the Diamondbacks an offensive boost last year on their way to a World Series appearance and is one of many outfield rental options for the Braves have been exploring. However, Atlanta should still steer clear of Pham at the deadline if at all possible.
Not only is Pham an extremely questionable clubhouse fit for the Braves due to his overly intense and surly nature, but he also isn't as consistent a bat as many would lead you to believe. While his .774 OPS last season was obviously good, the .714 mark he currently sports with the White Sox is less appealing and his production has been all over the place the last five seasons. If he was a lock to hit, then maybe the Braves could live with his personality "quirks", but he isn't worth the risk with better options available on the trade market.
A Brent Rooker trade could be exactly what the Braves need
Given that he plays in Oakland where baseball dreams go to die, many casual baseball fans may not be aware of just how good a season that Brent Rooker is having in 2024. Through 352 plate appearances this season, Rooker is slashing .294/.372/.579 with 22 homers. Given that level of production, Atlanta would be wise to pursue him if the Athletics are actually willing to make him available.
There are a couple problems with this plan. One, Rooker is under team control through 2027 which means that Oakland (rightly) is going to want a haul to be willing to part with him. The other issue is that the division rival Phillies appear to be battling with the Braves for Rooker's services as well which could set the stage for a bidding war. However, the Braves have a lengthy track record of making deals with Oakland (thanks again for Matt Olson and Sean Murphy) and Alex Anthopoulos has gotten more and more bold on the trade market in recent years. If the Braves can find a trade package to the A's liking that doesn't completely clean out their farm system, they should pounce at the opportunity.