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Three hitters Braves should target after losing Acuna Jr.

Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Three hitters Braves should target after losing Ronald Acuna Jr.

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 5/27/24

The Atlanta Braves received devastating news Sunday night when they learned reigning National League Most Valuable Player Ronald Acuna Jr. would miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Currently six games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, the Braves have a major void in their lineup and they will likely need to act fast to help replace his production.

Here are three outfielders the Braves should target on the trade market to help ease the loss of Acuna Jr.

Taylor Ward

2024 stats: .274/.330/.483, 11 home runs and 32 RBI in 52 games played

Off to one of the best starts in his career, Ward would be an ideal candidate to target for the Braves.

With a .813 OPS and 11 home runs, Ward is ranked among the top hitters in the American League while being a focal point of the Angels offense since their loss of outfielder Mike Trout to injury.

TAYLOR WARD 3-RUN SHOT @Angels | #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/XcwmVsssoQ
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) May 26, 2024

While he lacks the base-running ability of Acuna Jr., Ward plays solid defense in the outfield and can give the Braves lineup some added power.

Ward will not be cheap given his contract situation, as the 30-year-old is under team control for the next two seasons and will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season.

Randy Arozarena

2024 stats: .156/.253/.313, eight home runs, 18 RBI and seven stolen bases in 52 games played

Another intriguing name is Arozarena. Off to the worst start of his career, the 29-year-old is struggling at the plate and maybe a change of scenery could help that.

Over the last three seasons, Arozarena has averaged a .264/.349/.443 slash line with 21 home runs, 80 RBI and 25 stolen bases.

Randy sent a souvenir to the neighbors across the street. pic.twitter.com/H0aL4pC1I0
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 15, 2024

Currently batting .156, Arozarena has the lowest batting average in the MLB among qualified players, but he has been a major part of the Rays success since his arrival in 2020.

After his name appeared in trade rumors this past offseason, the Rays would likely restart those talks even if the return price has dropped due to his slow start.

Like Ward, he will be under team control until after the 2026 season.

Tommy Pham

2024 stats: .315/.361/.459, three home runs, 12 RBI and three stolen bases in 28 games played

A free agent to begin the 2024 MLB season, Pham has vast experience and would give the Braves a veteran bat that can play all three outfield positions.

After finishing last season as a member of the National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks, Pham had a solid postseason and it has carried over to his year.

Off to a hot start for the White Sox, Pham has 10 extra-base hits, including three home runs, and 17 runs scored in 28 games.

Don't mind Tommy Pham just doin his thing pic.twitter.com/AHK7qJpvqB
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) May 23, 2024

With the White Sox possessing the worst record in the MLB at 15-39, Pham will almost certainly be a trade piece after signing a one-year, $3M deal in April.

The 36-year-old will also come at a cheaper price compared to Ward and Arozarena, given his age and being a rental.

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