Atlanta Braves trade talk: 3 way-too-early trade targets
By Kevin Henry
If the Atlanta Braves are going to have a legitimate chance to repeat as World Champions in 2022, the franchise will likely need to make some moves at the trade deadline to keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
Sure, the MLB trade deadline in 2022 isn’t until August 2, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking at now at which players might be available to help the Atlanta Braves.
Let’s look at 3 way-too-early trade targets for the Atlanta Braves
Before we dive into the specific players, it’s important to note where the Braves are currently lacking. Heading into Wednesday’s action, Atlanta’s outfield has combined to post an MLB-worst minus-2.9 bWAR. The Mets, however, lead MLB with a 3.0 bWAR from their outfielders. That’s a stark difference between the division rivals.
If the Braves are going to make a deep run in the postseason, of course a healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. will help the cause tremendously. However, center fielder Adam Duvall (who has played the position in 42 of Atlanta’s 44 games) has yet to heat up this season, slashing .196/.262/.284 in his first 164 plate appearances of the campaign.
Braves fans can expect Kevin Kiermaier’s name to pop up again as the trade deadline approaches. The Tampa Bay Rays center fielder is in the final year of a contract before a $13 million club option kicks in next season and it’s likely that, if the right offer is presented, he could be on the move before the Rays would have to pay that money.
The key though is the right offer. Kiermaier will cost any team a handsome price for his services and what he brings at the plate and in the field where he is a Platinum Glove winner.
Would Atlanta be willing to part with high prospects and/or MLB talent in order to land Kiermaier? After the Matt Olson trade, Atlanta lost two of its top three prospects. Will the Braves plunder top prospects again for someone like Kiermaier who could be a shorter-term answer than Olson? It’s likely some team will, but it may not be the Braves after the Olson trade.