After losing three All-Stars in as many weeks, the national media is considering whether the Braves will be active in the upcoming months leading up to the trade deadline. Even though the Braves have won World Series after making successful transactions in the past, especially in 2021, Alex Anthopoulos has not always been able to pull off spectacular deals throughout the season. That may change now that Spencer Strider is out for the season, which is why Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly believes the Braves might be a fit for up to five top trade targets that are available to be acquired before July 30.
Miami Marlins’ Jesús Luzardo
There aren’t many intra-divisional deals, but the Marlins are an exception to this rule. They’ve done it multiple times in the last few years, sending All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies earlier in 2021 and Adam Duvall to the Braves in 2021. It’s reasonable to think the Braves may make a deal again because the Fish are awful and should only be concerned about receiving the greatest offer available in return.
A fantasy would be Luzardo. Although he’s had a difficult start to the 2024 season, he’s a talented young player with amazing potential. It is difficult to replace Spencer Strider, but Luzardo would be the closest. Because of his talent, the team will own him until 2026. Still, the cost of his services will be exorbitant. The Braves may not have the prospect capital to close a deal this size, particularly within the division.
Boston Red Sox’s Kenley Jansen
Kelly says it might be time for the Braves and Kenley Jansen to get back together. For the Braves, strengthening the bullpen would be prudent if they determine they cannot afford to pull off a blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher. With his contract expiring this year, Jansen shouldn’t need any of the Braves’ top prospects in exchange. It would be great to have him, A.J. Minter, and Raisel Iglesias to finish games.
Paul Blackburn of the Oakland A’s
General manager of the Oakland Athletics David Forst made a joke about Alex Anthopoulos of the Braves at the close of the previous season.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Forst stated, “I told Alex to lose my number,” alluding to the two teams’ sensational transactions made in back-to-back offseasons.
Although it was a lighthearted remark, there is always some truth to jokes. The Athletics were cheated out of Matt Olson and Sean Murphy by the Braves. In fact, Forst might not be all that keen in returning to the well a third time given how far it has dropped. But the Braves might be interested in Blackburn if that is the case. After three starts, he hasn’t allowed up a run for the Athletics.
Tanner Scott, Marlins of Miami
Tanner Scott, the closer for the Miami Marlins, is another player on this list. Most recently, Marcell Ozuna’s game-winning three-run home slam against Scott a few days ago may be the Braves fans’ most memorable memory of him.
Although Scott’s early-season numbers are exaggerated, he just finished his season with the Fish, recording a 2.31 ERA and 12.0 K/9 in 74 outings. Scott would play a significant role in providing the Braves with one of the best bullpens in baseball.
Washington Nationals’ Lane Thomas
There’s hardly much sense to this one. For the Nationals, Lane Thomas is coming off a breakout year in which he hit 28 home runs, stole 20 bases, and had an OPS of.783. Although I’m not sure whether that level of output can be sustained, the Braves don’t need another outfielder. Adam Duvall is perhaps the finest fourth outfielder in the game and can start if necessary. Jarred Kelenic has had a fantastic start to the season. I would be surprised if the Braves acquired another outfielder, barring an injury.
Leave a Reply