As things continue to look bleaker for the 2024 Atlanta Braves more and more rides on the upcoming trade deadline. Even if the team were to make blockbuster additions it will take more than key deals to give this team a true postseason chance.
The division race appears all but over with the wildcard race tightening up. Atlanta needs to make moves that improve the offense and help spark a wounded team back to life. Perhaps these are unrealistic expectations but with the elite level of play fans are used to seeing from the club high expectations are fair.
With all of this in mind comes the understanding to make the needed moves the Braves will have to give up key pieces. Whether it is in the deals themselves or moving on from veteran players not living up to expectations. Starting with the most obvious Braves that could be on the move either in deadline deals or as a result.
Eddie Rosario
Rosario is forever a Braves legend and should be appreciated for what he accomplished in the 2021 World Series run. However, we are three years removed from that version of Rosario and stuck with the one hitting well below the Mendoza line. Unlike Duvall, the splits don't help Rosario's case with the hitter struggling no matter who is standing on the mound.
While the Braves might be hesitant to give up on a player with Rosario's history it is on the table. Yes, you had a familiar moment of greatness but it wasn't enough to overshadow the consistent lack of production. If Atlanta needs to create roster spots Rosario becomes an easy potential cut.
Adam Duvall
Another Atlanta fan-favorite who simply isn't getting it done. If the Braves were healthy and able to platoon Duvall the situation would be completely different. However, as a starting outfielder, Duvall is a complete mess. Despite the history of both players, the performance demands the team move off Duvall and Rosario at the deadline.
The lack of power combined with the low OBP is a killer to a struggling lineup. Give Duvall credit for an impressive career but his time in Atlanta might be at its end.
Darius Vines
Vines currently ranks Atlanta's 13th best prospect and is their most obvious trade chip if they deal someone within the top twenty. Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos has a history of finding ways to buy low and make notable additions without spending on top prospects. However, Vines path to the roster is blocked and Atlanta could look to cash in to aid this season.
Well, isn't that peachy? 🍑@Braves prospect Darius Vines snags a comebacker on the mound while wearing @GoStripers peach alternates. pic.twitter.com/5llSmApZfl
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 28, 2024
Vines was underwhelming in his debut season for the Braves but did flash promise. He showed enough to retain value and give the Braves an obvious trade chip. There are far too many arms ahead of Vines for the young pitcher to break into the rotation. If the Braves lose a top-fifteen prospect at the deadline expect it to be Vines.
Drake Baldwin
The Triple-A catcher is twenty-three and appears to be blocked by Sean Murphy. While there is a chance Travis d'Arnaud walks away in the offseason it seems the Braves could move Baldwin if the right deal presented itself.
Spending your top prospects on what could be a lost season might be viewed as ill-advised. This is why if Atlanta were to part ways with anyone of note it would be Baldwin or Vines as they are both players who have better options blocking their path well beyond this season.
Drake Baldwin’s frozen-rope home run to the opposite field at the Futures Game put a bow on a strong first half spent at Double-A Mississippi and Gwinnett.pic.twitter.com/w6AN6y3qqm
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) July 19, 2024
Orlando Arcia
How many struggling utility hitters can one roster hold? Luke Williams, Whit Merrifield, and Arcia are all currently on the active roster. Williams will be moved as soon as Atlanta makes an addition or gets closer to being healthy. Merrifield should be given a chance to start considering he is a career .281 hitter and by far the most proven of the three.
Atlanta should have been out on Orlando Arcia this past offseason. Not understanding the numbers he put up in 2023 were the outlier the team continued to start the shortstop and are now paying for it. Arcia's poor ABs are difficult to watch and open the door for the team to start Nacho and move on from the veteran.
Ramón Laureano
This is less about Laureano and more about Atlanta's possible need to open a roster spot. It might prove easier to move on from Laureano than Duvall or Rosario. Despite the superior offensive numbers the sample size has been smaller and the team can easily justify the move.
There is also the hope that one of Duvall or Rosario again finds form while Laureano is playing to his ceiling. If the Braves make more than one move in the outfield Laureano is unlikely to retain his spot, especially after his recent on-field blunders.