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Atlanta Braves: Trade Deadline Musings – Third Base

By Brian Cox

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 3: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves throws to first against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on June 3, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves defeated the Nationals 4-2. (Photo by Carl Fonticella/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 3: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves throws to first against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on June 3, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves defeated the Nationals 4-2. (Photo by Carl Fonticella/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays (30-38)

Even though he is currently on the disabled list, Josh Donaldson will most likely be highly sought after this summer.  Although struggling a bit this year with a slash line of .234/.333/.423 with 5 HR, 16 RBI, and 44/21 K/BB ratio, the powerful third baseman would provide a big RH threat to hit behind Freddie Freeman.  Donaldson is making  $23 million this year and is signed thru 2018. His current struggles, injury status, and contract situation might make him an affordable trade option for the Braves.

Braves
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Baltimore Orioles (19-48)

While playing 3B for the majority of his career, Manny Machado demanded a move to SS, and has played there for the entirety of the 2018.  I would imagine that this move was requested to improve his stock in the free agent market following the season, but one wonders if he would agree to move back to 3B for a chance to play in the post-season.  Machado is playing at an all-star level once again with a line of .307/.378/.579 including 18 HR, 50 RBI, and a 41/31 K/BB ratio.  Machado is signed through the 2018 season and is currently making a reasonable $16 million.  The Orioles will most certainly demand a Mark Teixeria-like ransom, and I don’t see the Braves seriously entertaining those talks unless they forsee a high likelihood of Machado resigning with them this offseason.  Even then, they might be willing to ride out of the season with what they have and try to sign him without giving up a king’s ransom in prospects.

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Oakland Athletics (34-35)

Jed Lowrie is a player that I could see the Braves taking a flyer on this July.  The switch-hitting veteran infielder is currently playing 2B for Oakland, but could easily transition to 3B and fill in at SS if needed.  Lowrie is signed cheaply at $6 million through the 2018 season, and is currently hitting a solid .275/.340/.453 with 9 HR and 42 RBI.  This move would provide even more flexibility for the team, as it adds another switch hitter to the roster with the ability to play several positions.  Additionally, he shouldn’t cost a lot in terms of prospects, and certainly won’t break the piggy bank for the Braves.

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