NL East Trade Deadline Preview

Atlanta Braves (42-45)

Did any of us really think the Braves would hold a .500 record against the Washington Nationals? Or how about even be competitive in 2017? The answer to both of those is an resounding no. This organization has been planning for the opening of SunTrust Park, and boy did they ever.

This team has the makings to be a hassle for the division-leading Nationals, but what will they need to truly pose a threat? The answer is simple: Pitching. The Braves bats have put together a team batting average of .263, and have three players in Freddie Freeman, Ender Inciarte, and Tyler Flowers batting over .300. Prior to the All Star Break, the Braves blew a 4-1 ninth inning lead of the Nationals following an incredible outing for R.A. Dickey, and this simply cannot happen. The Braves have been plagued by the rotation having quality starts, and the bats not being able to keep up, but also vice versa.

If the Braves indeed decide to buy rather than sell after this horrendously difficult stretch to begin the second half, the squad needs arms, and fast. The bullpen needs a closer to replace Jim Johnson, and heck even a new starting pitcher would keep the Braves hopes alive for a few more weeks.