Atlanta Braves Key Trade Deadline Acquisitions
The Atlanta Braves didn't have many glaring holes at the trade deadline, but AA made a few savvy moves to reinforce an already stacked team. The Braves reinforced a struggling bullpen with Pierce Johnson from the Rockies for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon. They also added Brad Hand from the Rangers for straight cash homey.
The Braves then flipped Hearns to the Royals for defensive specialist, Nicky Lopez. By the way, Lopez is making people forget about Charlie Culberson with his clutch hits in a limited role. Nicky has made a lasting impression in just a few appearances. This even includes a big role in the Braves' 21-3 victory over the Mets. Lopez went 4-6 with 5 RBI and his first dinger of the season. By the way, he pitched a clean ninth inning in that game.
Nicky Lopez’s 8 RBI are the most by a player in his first 4 games with the Braves since RBI became official in 1920
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 15, 2023
HE’S ONLY BATTED IN TWO OF THOSE GAMES https://t.co/jxq6Qz1W39
Alex Anthopoulos should have earned your trust by now. His resume is written in golden ink, but nothing will surpass the work he did in 2021, en route to an unlikely World Championship. AJ Minter has since returned from the IL but Nick Anderson, Jesse Chavez, Dylan Lee, and Daysbel Hernandez are all currently on the IL.
The acquisitions only deepened the bullpen heading into the stretch. Hopefully, the Braves get healthier as they head into the postseason, but injuries happen. Should the bullpen face some unfortunate turn of events, the added arms will be a huge relief.