Jim Bowden reveals Braves deadline trade plans

With a poor offense and the reigning NL MVP sidelined for the season, the Braves have emerged as a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches.

The primary goal for Atlanta must be acquiring a bat, and I believe one is insufficient. They need several, and outfielders are the most logical fit, according to Jim Bowden’s newest story for The Athletic.

“Three years ago, the Braves lost Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending ACL tear but went on to win the World Series because president of baseball ops Alex Anthopoulos landed four outfielders (Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall) at the trade deadline,” writes Bowden. This year, they lost Acuña to another season-ending ACL tear, this time to his left knee, and will attempt to follow a similar formula at the deadline. Although Anthopoulos is unlikely to sign four new outfielders, he may sign one or two more this season.

It’s tough to overlook the parallels between this year and 2021. The Braves are underachieving and appear to be barely keeping up without their best player. It will be difficult for Alex Anthopoulos to recreate that enchantment, but he is likely to follow a similar route. One outfielder is insufficient; two should be considered as a minimum.

Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall have yet to demonstrate why they should be playing every day. They are best suited as platoon alternatives. Adding two additional players to the mix will allow Brian Snitker to play matchups and the hot hand, much as he did in 2021.

Bowden also notes the Braves could be in the market for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

I would not get overly enthused about this. There will be some high-profile names on the market, such as Garrett Crochet and Jesús Luzardo. However, starting pitching at the trade deadline is extremely costly. Anthopoulos has never been one to make a big trade for rotation help, especially in the middle of a season, and the Braves have had far worse rotations than the one they currently have. If Anthopoulos adds a starter, expect someone like Jake Odorizzi, whom Atlanta acquired at the 2022 trade deadline.