Since the Atlanta Braves lost Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris, their outfield performance has understandably suffered. The overall offense has been highly inconsistent, lacking the dominant power seen last season.
This Braves team is centered on strong pitching, solid defense, and a dependable bullpen. To bolster their postseason chances, it’s clear they need to enhance their offensive output.
Although there’s some speculation about adding a fifth starter, the primary focus should be on strengthening the shortstop and outfield positions. Specifically, the Braves need to secure at least one potential starter and a platoon partner for Adam Duvall in the outfield.
The Braves should seek a platoon partner for Adam Duvall, even with his recent struggles.
Adam Duvall has been a major letdown this season when the Braves needed him to step up. His recent at-bats against right-handed pitchers have been particularly poor, leaving him out of sync.
Despite these issues, it’s not yet time for the team to give up on Duvall, who played a crucial role in their 2021 World Series victory. Given the Braves’ current lack of depth, they should hold onto Duvall’s postseason experience and familiarity with the team.
Instead, the team should consider transitioning Duvall into a bench or platoon role. A potential buy-low option could be former Met and current Giant, Michael Conforto.
Conforto would provide an immediate upgrade and could serve as a valuable bench or platoon player. Although Conforto has struggled against right-handers this season, his career average of .259 against them suggests he could perform better in Atlanta’s lineup.
Despite their struggles, Atlanta’s lineup still commands more respect than the Giants’ does. Conforto, in the final year of his contract, could be a cost-effective rental with significant upside. This approach aligns with the Braves GM’s previous deadline strategy, which successfully added players like Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson, and Eddie Rosario in 2021.
Conforto could be a key addition that addresses Atlanta’s needs, offering a strong late-inning pinch-hitting option and benefiting from reduced offensive pressure alongside Duvall.
The only reason this move might not make sense is if Eddie Rosario revitalizes his performance with the Braves. If Rosario returns to his early Atlanta form, the team could pair him with Duvall and pursue a more impactful deadline acquisition.
However, if Rosario’s resurgence seems unlikely, Conforto remains a valuable, low-cost option with high potential that would fit well into the Braves’ lineup.
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