Speaking of trading from a position of depth for a position of need, the Braves have four outfielders that could start. Matt Kemp, Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis and Mallex Smith. Kemp really took off after coming over from the Padres in exchange for Hector Olivera. Inciarte was a catalyst at the top of the lineup. That leaves the other outfield spot in question.
The first thing they have to decide is Smith just a fourth outfielder. If he is then that’s fine and he can stay on the bench and be the speedy backup. If they think he’s more than that or if another team thinks that way, then they have to deal him for something else they need.
They could decide to keep Smith as a starter and then deal the veteran Markakis, which may get them a greater return. Markakis had a much more productive season in his second with Braves (even with a slightly worse OPS in 2016).
Markakis is due $11 million each of the next two seasons, which is fairly reasonable considering what the prices may be this season for guys like Jose Bautista and Mark Trumbo.
Either Smith or Markakis could be a nice fit for someone’s outfield next year.