3 former Atlanta Braves to reunite with at the trade deadline

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There isn’t any question that the Atlanta Braves will be buyers when it comes to the 2023 trade deadline. Despite having a stacked lineup, there are reasons for concern about the bullpen and rotation. Atlanta adding a veteran starter until they can get the rotation back healthy should be expected with Max Fried and Kyle Wright both down for the time being.

Atlanta’s bullpen has been inconsistent and clearly could use help as the season wears on. When it comes to Atlanta’s lineup, there are very few concerns. The only position of possible need could be depth in the outfield.

Michael Harris is heating up while Atlanta’s right fielder, Ronald Acuna Jr., is having an MVP-worthy season. Eddie Rosario has been inconsistent and could lead Atlanta to consider adding a platoon or at least a capable hitter in case of injury.

While there are many possible bargain fits for the Atlanta Braves on the trade market, this article is simply considering former Braves the team could look to reunite with.

Looking at the production level and teams that are already falling out of contention, three clear names stand out as players the Braves could consider reuniting with before the trade deadline.

Apr 6, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Adam Duvall (18) receives congratulations from teammates after he hit a three run home run in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves trade idea 1 — Adam Duvall, Boston Red Sox

The Atlanta Braves have been down this path before, with Duvall parting ways with the veteran outfielder only to regret the decision and bring him back. Let’s focus on why the Red Sox could consider parting ways with the veteran first.

Boston is a .500 team already back double-digit games in June needing to climb over the Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles, and Rays to get back to the top of the division. That obviously isn’t going to happen and it is hard to see Boston even fighting their way back into the Wild Card race.

If at the trade deadline, they are still an average team there is no reason not to move on from short-term veteran deals including Duvall.

While Atlanta has a great outfield there has been some inconsistent offensive production in left field. Adding Duvall as a defensive backup, left field platoon, and occasional DH clearly makes the team far better.

Duvall getting off to a torrid start is the only concern here with Atlanta often looking to buy cheap at the deadline avoiding overpaying. Perhaps it’s best for Atlanta if both Boston and Duvall cool a bit as the calendar turns toward July.

Jun 11, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Joc Pederson (23) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves trade idea 2 — Joc Pederson, San Francisco Giants

Joc Pederson will forever be remembered and loved in Atlanta for the role he played in their World Series run. The memorable tagline he provided the team and the energy and production from the bench helped push this team over the top and finally beat the Dodgers and finish the Astros in the 2021 World Series.

While there is the obvious concern of adding yet another left-handed bat in the outfield, Pederson’s possible production far outweighs this if the veteran is on the market. While adding Pederson isn’t as clear as a roster fit as Duvall it provides a stacked lineup even more power and a great option in case of injury or to help keep the outfield rested down the stretch of the season.

Joc signed a one-year, $19 million deal with the Giants making adding the veteran a bit expensive but well worth it when you consider the potential postseason push.

Atlanta shouldn’t outsmart themselves if Duvall or Pederson are on the market looking for a cheap new fit. While Freeman and Swanson are both gone Atlanta’s lineup is arguably deeper and better than in the 2021 season and adding back one of these postseason heroes is the exact midseason boost the front office should be looking to make.

Jun 9, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) chats with Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong (12) after getting the games final out against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves trade idea 3 — Kenley Jansen, Boston Red Sox

This suggestion is one Atlanta will have to put a lot of thought into based both on Jansen’s current contract. Kenley signed a two-year, $32 million contract a hefty addition to an already large Atlanta Braves payroll.

While there should be some positive regression it is fair to have a healthy level of concern about the depth and consistency of the Atlanta bullpen late into the season. The rotation has been ravaged by injuries and the Atlanta bullpen has taken an early toll with an up-and-down 2023 season thus far.

Adding Jansen back to the Atlanta bullpen if Boston does elect to trade away veteran pieces would be a wise decision if they are willing to accept the salary hit. Jansen is inconsistent at times, but closed 41 games for the Braves last season and when at his best is unhittable.

While there are cheaper bullpen options out there for Atlanta, it is hard to find a high-leverage arm with Jansen’s proven resume. Kenley is already familiar with Atlanta and would fit in well with a bullpen he served as the closer for only a season ago. Letting Jansen walk seemed the right decision at the time and still could prove to be, however, with the way the season has gone entertaining a reunion isn’t the worst idea.

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