A recent report pointed to the obvious for the Atlanta Braves. This is a team actively looking to improve an injury-riddled outfield. As the All-Star break is officially underway the July 30th MLB trade deadline looms ever closer.
Atlanta's search for outfield help must find a sense of urgency. However, this doesn't mean the Braves are going to make the blockbuster move. The 2021 trade-deadline moves everyone looks back on so fondly were in truth, closer to reclamation projects than blockbuster targets.
With this in mind, let's look at potential outfield help the Braves could add that wouldn't cost their future. Starting with last year's ALCS MVP:
Adolis Garcia
Why couldn't Garcia become this year's version of Jorge Soler? The wheels have completely fallen off for last year's AL champs. They currently sit 7.5 games out of a playoff spot and have every reason to tear it all down.
Garcia has regressed both from his postseason production and regular season standards. Garcia is a player who you add understanding his limitations. Garcia is a career .238 hitter amid the worst season of his short career.
However, you are adding Garcia hoping his average returns to career norms understanding the immense power he adds to your lineup.
Adolis García from all the angles 😮💨 #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/3ixV1RASwU
— MLB (@MLB) July 16, 2024
Randy Arozarena
Arozarena is in his 6th season and by far has had his worst offensive production. For the five years before he has been an above-average hitter with solid power and a great ability to get on base. Despite awful numbers this season now is the time to buy in on Arozarena.
This year is the outlier of his career and perhaps a change of scenery is all that is needed to get back to career norms. Arozarena fits well into the lineup and will help take some of the pressure off a struggling Adam Duvall.
Tampa Bay sits at .500 and could opt to go either way at the Trade Deadline. Though considering the team's history of shedding players and contracts landing Arozarena wouldn't be at all shocking.
Josh Lowe
How much faith do the Braves have in Eddie Rosario turning back the clock? The answer to this question determines whether or not this is a legitimate option for Atlanta. Josh Lowe would be a great platoon piece with Adam Duvall.
Lowe is an above-average hitter when facing right-handers while being unplayable when it comes to the lefty splits. Lowe would be another buy-low piece fitting the Braves front office style and helping a key piece already on the roster.
Gavin Sheets
Of the potential outfielders on the trade market who are fits this is the least exciting. Sheets has nothing in his recent history suggesting a big rebound in Atlanta. The Braves would be adding a player who hits righties far better than Adam Duvall, but that bar is extremely low.
There is an argument to be made the team is better off starting Rosario or Duvall. Still, the cheap fit is too obvious not to at least consider.