Braves continue to be connected to controversial Marlins star in trade rumor mill
Atlanta trading for Jazz Chisholm Jr. may sound like a fun idea, but a deeper look suggests it wouldn't turn out the way fans would want.
It is hardly a secret that the Atlanta Braves are looking to upgrade at a few spots on offense ahead of the trade deadline. Injuries to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Michael Harris II have proven to be quite painful and has the Braves looking very thin in the outfield, so the position has been a priority in talks. There is a chance that Atlanta tries to bring in a shortstop upgrade with Orlando Arcia cratering, but that is a subject for another day.
The issue with this year's trade deadline market is a woeful lack of sellers. There are a few teams that are out of the playoff chase, but few have outfielders worth targeting that are also available for a reasonable price. However, one name that continues to be connected to Atlanta is Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Whether or not trading for Chisholm Jr. is a good idea remains to be seen.
A Braves-Jazz Chisholm trade would make headlines, but still doesn't make actual sense
Most of the chatter regarding the Braves and Chisholm Jr. has come from sources like Jim Bowden and Talkin' Baseball who are more floating flashy ideas than sourcing actual interest from the Braves. On the surface, the move makes sense as Chisholm Jr. is a well-known player with a ton of talent at a position of need. However, that is where the good news basically stops.
In 93 games this season, Chisholm Jr. has posted a mediocre .249/.321/.407 line in Miami with 12 homers and 18 stolen bases. His peripherals tell a similar story as he doesn't hit the ball hard consistently, hits too many ground balls, and makes too many bad swing decisions. Combine that with his history of injuries, the fact that he would cost the Braves a hefty package of prospects given Chisholm Jr.'s multiple years of team control as well as the "trade with a division rival" tax, and his grating (to some) personality, and you have a move of questionable merit at best.
One thing that is clear is that the Marlins are extremely likely to trade Chisholm Jr. and they are getting interest ahead of the deadline. Right now, the betting favorite appears to be the Mariners who are in desperate need of bats with a pulse. If the Braves are smart, they will let Seattle (or anyone else) have him.