Atlanta Braves trade for Sam Hilliard’s potential in deal with Rockies

Sunday’s trade between the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves that sent outfielder Sam Hilliard to Atlanta is a classic change-of-scenery trade for an outfielder with plenty of potential who had run out of chances to prove himself as an everyday player in Denver.

Hilliard had shown plenty of potential during his 214 games over four seasons with the Rockies. However, the 28-year-old outfielder could never find consistency during his time with Denver, one of the reasons why he was demoted on and off again to Triple-A during the 2022 season.

Sam Hilliard has potential, and the Atlanta Braves are hoping to tap into it

In what was a very crowded outfield in Denver, especially with the arrival of Kris Bryant in the offseason, Hilliard was the odd man out, despite his ability to hit home runs (including 14 in 81 games in 2021). However, Hilliard’s strikeouts offset his home run potential, whiffing in 32.7 percent of his 570 at-bats since making his debut on August 27, 2019.

Selected in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB draft, Hilliard will look to start over with the Atlanta Braves, a franchise where there are question marks in the outfield heading into the offseason. Adam Duvall and Robbie Grossman declared free agency on Sunday, so acquiring Hilliard could be a depth piece for the Braves as Hilliard played all three outfield positions in Denver.

Hilliard will, however, have to cut down on his strikeouts in order to make an impact in Atlanta. Look for the Braves to give him a chance to show that ability in spring training, but he could likely start the season in Triple-A.

Atlanta, meanwhile, sent minor league right-hander Dylan Spain to Colorado in return for Hilliard. Spain was a 10th-round selection in the 2021 draft and pitched at High-A last season, seeing action in 36 games, including seven starts.

Spain will add depth in Colorado’s farm system. However, with opponents hitting .276 against him last season as he posted a 5.30 ERA, the 24-year-old still has plenty of work to do before he could potentially make his way onto the mound at Coors Field.