Though it’s still early, the trade deadline is approaching quickly, marking the period when some teams become more open to selling. The Braves won’t be among the sellers; they’ll be buyers, as Alex Anthopoulos typically is this time of year. They have several significant gaps to fill before the season’s final two months.
Most urgently, the Braves need to trade for at least one outfielder, preferably more, a pursuit that Ken Rosenthal reports Alex Anthopoulos is already undertaking.
“President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos is already exploring the market for outfielders, engaging in preliminary discussions with clubs, according to sources briefed on his conversations,” Rosenthal writes in his latest piece for The Athletic.
The hope is that Michael Harris II will be ready to return soon after the All-Star break, but he’s the only outfielder on the Braves roster who has consistently proven to be an everyday player. Jarred Kelenic has been performing well recently, but concerns about his track record and suitability as a platoon option persist. This is why Anthopoulos might seek to add at least two outfielders in the coming weeks. However, as Rosenthal points out, the outfield is just one area the Braves may need to reinforce.
“But Charlie Morton is 40. Reynaldo López is starting for the first time since 2019. And Chris Sale has a long injury history. The Braves want to continue building in extra rest for their starters. They might need to supplement the current group, too.”
Adding another veteran starter as a precaution is a good idea, but the Braves should be fine if everyone stays healthy. Their rotation has been one of the best in baseball all season, with Spencer Schwellenbach making a name for himself while AJ Smith-Shawver and Ian Anderson work their way back from injuries.
While Rosenthal didn’t mention it, shortstop is another position the Braves could look to improve through a trade. There may not be many options available, but Orlando Arcia has been struggling since the second half of last year. The Braves could consider giving 21-year-old prospect Nacho Alvarez a chance, as he’s been performing exceptionally well in Gwinnett. However, this is a risky move for a team with World Series aspirations.
