Braves trade deadline could be busiest of Alex Anthopoulos’ tenure

The Braves have more questions than answers right now, and it could prove to make Alex Anthopoulos’ life quite hellish at the trade deadline.

The bullpen could probably use a couple of new faces, but more than anything, the Braves need a proven closer. Raisel Iglesias has strung together several encouraging outings, but an All-Star reliever to allow Iglesias to slide into a set-up role would ease a lot of minds in Braves Country. Adding an All-Star to a group of Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, another high-leverage arm, Daysbel Hernandez, Dylan Lee, and Aaron Bummer is one that can propel the Braves to an improbable World Series.

Let’s not pretend like the bullpen has been the Braves’ biggest problem, though. Atlanta’s lineup has four automatic outs right now. Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Nick Allen, and Alex Verdugo/Eli White are some of the worst hitters in baseball.

Jurickson Profar returning is a start, but it’s not nearly enough. While Profar will help in the short term, he’s not eligible for the postseason, and let’s not pretend like Michael Harris II being an every-day starter down the stretch is a guarantee. Outfielders are cheap, as we saw in 2021.

The Braves would benefit from bringing in two starting-caliber outfielders at the trade deadline. That way, Brian Snitker can just play the hot hand, like he did in 2021. Is that enough action for you? Well, I could argue Anthopoulos should address the rotation too.

In the wake of Chris Sale’s injury, Atlanta’s rotation depth is now non-existent. The Braves are relying on Bryce Elder and 20-year-old Didier Fuentes in two of the rotation’s five spots. That’s not exactly encouraging for a postseason hopeful. A back-of-the-rotation arm could go a long way.

The Braves have a lot of holes on this roster, and it’s looking a lot like Alex Anthopoulos needs to pull off one of the most improbable trade deadline hauls in recent memory, possibly even more impactful than the 2021 trade deadline that propelled the Braves to a World Series.