Braves identified  prospective trade fit for 4-time All-Star

The Braves are expected to be quite active at the trade deadline, but it is unknown which aspects of the roster they will be improving.

Going into the season, claiming the lineup needed to be addressed would have gotten you scoffed at. Now, it is the most pressing necessity, but much can change in June and July.

If another Braves starter goes down, Alex Anthopoulos may have to disregard the outfield. With two months before the trade deadline, nothing is expected to happen soon, but there will be plenty of conjecture between now and the beginning of August.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Braves could be keeping an eye on four-time All-Star George Springer.

“The Jays could entice George Springer but would have to pay the majority of his $25 million salary. The Braves are a possible match.”

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the former Astros All-Star and World Series winner may be available for trade.

“The Toronto Blue Jays are the team buyers are keeping their eye on at the trade deadline knowing they could move first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., shortstop Bo Bichette, DH Justin Turner, outfielders George Springer and Kevin Kiermaier, closer Jordan Romano and starters Yusei Kikuchi and Chris Bassitt,” says Nightengale.

Toronto would have to eat a large portion of his salary to complete the transaction, but it may be a nice buy-low chance. Springer is suffering with an OPS+ of 80, which is 20% below league average.

However, the 34-year-old is coming off a three-year stint with the Blue Jays, during which he had a 121 OPS+ and 68 home runs, earning him an All-Star nomination in 2022. He’s past his prime offensively, but he’s an excellent fielder, and the Braves can hopefully help him reclaim some of his magic with the bat.

Alex Anthopoulos has previously targeted George Springer as a buy-low candidate, particularly if the Blue Jays absorb the majority of his payroll. He’s a name that fans should keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches.