Braves Trade Deadline: Rumors, buying or selling, targets, and more

The Braves are in a precarious position as they remain 9.0 games out of the Wild Card with a roster that many expected to compete for the World Series. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it’s fair to wonder just what Alex Anthopoulos will decide to do with the ball club.

If the Braves show any signs of life, you can bet your bottom dollar Anthopoulos will be aggressive in upgrading this roster. However, if the skid continues, it would be hard to see the sense in trading assets for what could be a lost season.

That seems unlikely, though. According to Jim Bowden, most in the industry believe the Braves, along with the Red Sox and Rangers, will “make trades to try to improve their respective rosters for the rest of this season and next rather than being typical sellers.”

It’s just hard to see 1) the Braves completely falling out of the Wild Card race, and 2) admitting defeat and waving the white flag. Though there are clear differences in the situations, the 2021 World Series run has given the Braves’ President of Baseball Operations confidence in his ability to improve the club at the deadline. So, what will they be buying at the July 31st deadline? Pitching, according to Bowden — starters and relievers.

Atlanta’s rotation is paper-thin, and a back-of-the-rotation arm could ease concerns. However, starters are expensive, and Alex Anthopoulos has never really been keen on the value of starters at any point in the season or offseason. Also, if the Braves get to the postseason, a 1-2-3-4 of Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and Grant Holmes is a formidable unit.

However, that isn’t the case with the bullpen, which has been among the worst in baseball. Before Atlanta’s series win over the Brewers, the club had lost 14 of 17 games, with eight being by one run and four by two runs.

Obviously, the offense could’ve done its part with some clutch hitting, but the same goes for the bullpen. Who knows what happens with a 1-2-3 inning here or there? The Braves need a high-leverage arm, not some middle reliever.

Bowden noted that Atlanta’s relievers boast an NL-leading 15 losses and a league-low 10 saves. They’re the only team in the National League with more blown saves than saves.

Raisel Iglesias’ disappointing campaign has a lot to do with that, and Daysbel Hernandez was shaky before forearm inflammation sent him to the injured list. Simply put, the Braves could use a couple of high-leverage arms, preferably ones with multiple years of control, like they did in the past with Iglesias.

Bowden finished his piece with the future of Brian Snitker, “There is a lot of buzz in the industry that Braves manager Brian Snitker and Rangers manager Bruce Bochy could retire at season’s end, which would be a big loss for the sport.”

In addition to Bowden’s reports, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Braves are looking for help in the outfield and at shortstop. Left field has been an absolute black hole for the Braves this season. From a piece I wrote on June 10:

“Additionally, even if Profar’s return proves that his 2024 campaign was the result of PED use, his career averages are still an improvement over what the Braves have gotten from their other left fielders. Braves left fielders have a slash line of .210/.262/.280 and a .542 OPS, with an sOPS+ of 55, which basically means that Atlanta’s left fielders have an OPS that is 45% below the rest of the league’s left fielders.

Meanwhile, across his career, excluding his 2024 campaign, Profar has a slash line of .238/.322/.383 and a .706 OPS, which is barely below league average over that span. That’s a tremendous improvement from what the Braves have gotten from the position.”

The Braves’ left field issues have been well-documented, but shortstop has been equally unproductive. Since making the All-Star game in 2023, Orlando Arcia turned into a tomato can and was eventually released last month. Nick Allen took his place and provides similar production at the plate but is an elite defender.

I’m sure the Braves would love to upgrade the position, but will there be any options and what will they cost? Alex Anthopoulos has gotten creative in the past, and he might have to again at this trade deadline because every facet of the team could be bolstered.