We are soon nearing the MLB trade deadline, and the Braves will be buyers once more, hoping for a haul similar to the 2021 class that propelled the team back to the World Series.
At this point, Alex Anthopoulos will prioritize upgrading the outfield. Atlanta’s general manager may also consider augmenting an already stacked pitching staff because relievers are inexpensive and the rotation’s future is uncertain.
Shortstop, on the other hand, is a position that requires significant improvement. Orlando Arcia may improve in the second half of the season, but he is certainly not reliable in the postseason, which should be the Braves’ goal.
This is part of a short series in which I identify particular trade possibilities for whom CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson suggested the Braves as prospective bidders, moving on to the highest-profile shortstop on the market. Below are previous works from the series.
Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays, like Skubal, may not be sellers and will almost likely not trade Bo Bichette unless a return piques their interest. The Braves could be suitors.
Bichette, 26, has shown to be a useful defensive shortstop while still producing above-average offense. However, he is suffering this season. His lifetime average OPS is above.800, but he presently has a.619 OPS thanks to a.231 average and four home runs.
The hope is that he’ll have favorable regression sooner or later. He had 14.4 WAR over three seasons (2021-2023), ranking in the top 16 of the AL MVP race each year.
If a trade occurs, Bichette would solidify the position for this season and next, as he is under team control through the 2025 season. It may also turn out flawlessly.
The future Braves shortstop is currently dominating Triple-A Gwinnett. Nacho Alvarez might continue to hone his skills on the farm in preparation to take over for Bichette, or the Braves could utilize their top position player prospect as trade bait and extend Bichette, as Anthopoulos has done numerous times previously.
A change of scenery may do wonders for Bo Bichette, and how many times have failing players traveled to Atlanta in search of magic?
