Jazz Chisholm Jr. #2 of the Miami Marlins
As the trade deadline approaches, the Atlanta Braves are gearing up to make significant moves, with General Manager Alex Anthopoulos poised to address the team’s glaring offensive deficiencies. Despite Anthopoulos’s reputation for savvy trades, the Braves face an uphill battle as their recent performance has underscored a critical need for reinforcements.
The Braves’ offensive struggles have become increasingly apparent. When their pitching staff falters, the team has been unable to compensate, resulting in a dismal 0-26 record over the last 26 games where opponents have scored more than three runs. This troubling trend highlights a combination of underperforming stars and injuries that have necessitated the promotion of Triple-A players into everyday roles.
To turn the tide, Atlanta’s star players—Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Sean Murphy—must elevate their game. While the return of Michael Harris will provide a boost, the Braves are in dire need of additional firepower. One intriguing option is the potential acquisition of Jazz Chisholm, a dynamic player who could address multiple needs.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently discussed the possibility of the Braves trading for Chisholm, an All-Star with the Miami Marlins. Bowden noted that Chisholm could serve as a left-handed platoon partner with Adam Duvall and offer an offensive upgrade at shortstop. However, he acknowledged the challenges of such a trade, particularly given the rarity of intra-division deals and the high price tag for Chisholm.
Moving Ozzie Albies to shortstop to accommodate Chisholm, primarily a second baseman, is another consideration Bowden floated. However, many, including Bowden, question whether Albies would excel defensively in that role. Additionally, the Braves’ farm system may not align well with the Marlins’ needs, further complicating the trade prospects.
Despite these obstacles, history shows that the Marlins have occasionally aided their division rivals. The Philadelphia Phillies acquired J.T. Realmuto, a cornerstone of their franchise, from Miami. More notably for Braves fans, the Marlins traded Adam Duvall to Atlanta, a move that contributed to the Braves’ World Series run.
If a deal for Chisholm materializes, he could slot into a corner outfield position, addressing another area of need for the Braves. This season, Chisholm has played 81 games, posting a .259/.324/.423 slash line with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs. Under contract through 2026, Chisholm’s acquisition would require a substantial investment, but his potential to thrive in Atlanta’s environment makes the gamble worthwhile.
As the trade deadline looms, the Braves are poised to be active players, seeking the right moves to reignite their offense and solidify their status as contenders. Whether or not they can land a marquee player like Jazz Chisholm remains to be seen, but Anthopoulos’s track record suggests that the Braves will leave no stone unturned in their quest for improvement.
