Prior to the 2024 season, the Atlanta Braves were expected to target starting pitchers at the MLB trade deadline.
Those expectations only rose once Spencer Strider was sidelined for the rest of the season in early April.
However, approaching the midpoint of the season, the Braves had the third-best ERA and WHIP in the National League. Atlanta has earned a quality start in 43% of its games this season, the fourth highest rate in the National League.
The Braves offense went dormant in May, but it has reawakened in the last two weeks. Over the last 11 games, they have averaged 5.1 runs per game, with a team slugging percentage of.483 and an OPS of.792.
Given all of this, how can the Braves enhance their roster before the MLB trade deadline?
Because of injuries, the logical choice is to upgrade the outfield. That is what Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report argued on June 24.
Rymer also identified Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena as the outfielder the Braves should pursue at the deadline.
“He may be a Rookie of the Year winner and a playoff legend, but Arozarena is also a guy with just a .190 average and a .654 OPS to show for this season,” says Rymer. “He nonetheless still has solid peripherals, and it’s reasonable to think he would be energized by a move to a contender.”
Arozarena has an OPS of.652 after 77 games this season. However, this may make him less expensive to acquire at the deadline.
While no one can match Ronald Acuña Jr.’s strength and speed, Arozarena has the potential to contribute. Arozarena has hit at least 20 home runs and stolen 20 bases in each of the previous three seasons. Arozarena earned the American League All-Star squad last year with a slash line of.254/.364/.425.
Arozarena also excels in the greatest games. In 33 career playoff games, he’s hit.336 with a 1.104 OPS.
In 2020, he set an MLB record with ten home runs in a single postseason. In the 2020 World Series, he hit.364, with three home runs and four RBI.
That came after winning the ALCS MVP award for batting.321 with four home runs and a double to lead the Rays to the AL pennant.
Arozarena may significantly strengthen the Braves’ outfield. He could help them reach the World Series, like the team’s summer outfield signings (Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, and Joc Pederson) accomplished in 2021.
