3 trades the Braves will always remember, 2 they would like to forget
In this spirit of prepping for the MLB trade deadline this summer and Atlanta having needs to address, we wanted to take a look back on some deals that worked out well and some that did not.
Each passing day puts us closer and closer to the MLB trade deadline which will likely be the busiest time of year for Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos. From the injuries Atlanta has had to face this season to the question marks at the back end of the starting rotation, there are needs that should be addressed if the Braves wish to make a World Series run in 2024.
As we prepare for one of the most exciting times of the year for baseball fans, we thought it would be fun to take a look back on some of the trades made in Braves history that turned out super lopsided whether it was in Atlanta's favor or not. Let's start with the trades the Braves won.
Max Fried to Atlanta for Justin Upton
Following the 2014 season, the Atlanta Braves made it clear they were going into full on rebuild mode. Notable players were dealt elsewhere but this one specifically is worth noting. Atlanta sent slugger Justin Upton and Aaron Northcraft to the Padres for Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, Mallex Smith and Max Fried.
Upton went on to have a couple more all-star seasons but his performance declined shortly after. We all know what Max Fried has done for the Braves organization and is continuing to do in 2024 so it is safe to say that Atlanta won this trade in the long run.
Max Fried, Vicious 94mph Cutting Fastball. 😤 pic.twitter.com/rwRWbUUyyO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 29, 2024
Atlanta lands Swanson and Inciarte
When you dig deep, the Braves actually won two seperate trades that involved Shelby Miller. Atlanta acquired the right handed starter in a trade that sent Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals. Of course it hurt Atlanta to let go to the hometown kid in Heyward but Miller shined in his lone season with the Braves.
Although Shelby Miller had more losses in 2015 than any other pitcher in baseball, he posted an impressive 3.02 ERA and made the All-Star Game. He pitched well enough for the Braves to fleece the Diamondbacks by sending him to Arizona for Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair.
Braves steal a Hall of Famer
This one may go down as the most lopsided trade in Atlanta Braves history, however, it did not exactly start that way. In August of 1987, John Smoltz was in AA for the Detroit Tigers. He was dealt to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander.
Alexander ended the 1987 season going 9-0 for the Tigers and posting a 1.53 ERA. At the time, it appeared the Tigers won the trade. Just two seasons later at the age of 38, Doyle Alexander ended his MLB career and Smoltz was just getting started.
A Hall of Fame career by Smoltz that included a Cy Young Award and 8 All-Star Game appearances proved that the Atlanta Braves got the best in this deal with the Tigers.
Now let's take a look back on a couple of trades that did not work out so well for the Braves organization.
Hector Olivera to Atlanta for top prospect
At the surface of it, this trade does not look too lopsided. This is just one of those trades that after examining the results we can deem as a fail for Atlanta. The Braves sent Alex Wood, then top prospect Jose Peraza, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson and Bronson Arroyo to the Dodgers for Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez and Zachary Bird.
Looking at what the Braves gave up in this trade, we know that none of them were exactly superstars. However, the fact that Olivera only put on a Braves uniform for 30 games makes this trade painful to reflect upon.
After facing legal trouble following an arrest in April of 2016, Hector Olivera never returned to Major League Baseball and the Braves had nothing to show from the deal they had made with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
J.D. Drew to Atlanta for Adam Wainwright
Back in 2003, the Braves were looking for an outfielder who could provide some power and add a spark to an offense. They turned to the St. Louis Cardinals who had J.D. Drew but the price was high.
The Braves sent Jason Marquis, Ray King and Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals in exchange for J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero. Drew gave the Braves exactly what they were looking for in 2004. He hit .305 with 31 home runs and 93 runs batted in. He even finished 6th in NL MVP voting that season. However, the goal of a World Series title was not achieved.
Unfortunately for the Braves, Drew moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers a season later. So from this trade, the Braves got one season with J.D. Drew and the Cardinals got 18 years of consistent Adam Wainwright who was a 3X all-star, 2X Gold Glove Award winner and a World Series champion in 2006.
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