Jim Bowden sends a strong warning to Braves over trading for…

The Braves will be aggressive at this year’s trade deadline; Alex Anthopoulos is notorious for wheeling and dealing, but there is a glaring need to improve the offense.

If Atlanta’s pitching staff does not produce a gem, the Braves will lose. It is that simple. The Braves have gone 0-26 in games where an opponent scored more than three runs.

That’s simply pitiful. It is a mix of various factors. Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Sean Murphy aren’t performing up to their potential. While injuries to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Michael Harris have forced AAA players into regular roles.

Something needs to give. Getting Mike Harris back will help, but the Braves’ studs must start playing like it. Even then, trade deadline assistance is required. Anthopulos might improve at shortstop or outfield, or he could get two for one by signing Jazz Chisholm.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently received a question about a potential blockbuster Braves trade for the Marlins All-Star, to which he responded:

13. Would Chisholm fit in Atlanta as a lefty platoon partner with Adam Duvall and an offensive upgrade at shortstop versus lefties? Full-time shortstop next season when Ronald Acuña Jr. returns? — Kenny T.

I’m a fan of Chisholm but think his best position is second base and if I’m Atlanta, I would have no problem moving Ozzie Albies over to shortstop because he’s a plus defender there too. I do like Chisholm’s fit with the Braves and think their clubhouse culture would do him wonders. I’m just not sure the Braves’ farm system matches up well with the Marlins, based on conversations I’ve had with front-office executives.

I have numerous ideas about this scenario, the first of which is whether Ozzie Albies should be moved to shortstop? I admire Jim Bowden and adore Ozzie Albies, but he is not a good shortstop defender. That is not an option.

Second, trades with division opponents are uncommon, and one involving a talent like Jazz Chisholm makes it even less likely. The cost would be considerable regardless of who acquires him, but it will be substantially greater for the Braves.

With that stated, here’s the Fish. They’re not exactly a franchise with a history of sound decisions. There are a few occasions of Miami assisting its division opponents. J.T. Realmuto, a pillar of the Philadelphia Phillies’ team, was acquired several years ago. More recently, the Marlins traded Adam Duvall to the Braves, propelling Atlanta to the World Series.

I agree with Bowden that Atlanta’s farm makes this transaction very unlikely. Miami is likely seeking for position-playing prospects in return, and the Braves have none of those, with the exception of Nacho Alvarez, whom they may want to keep given Atlanta’s present shortstop situation.

For the sake of argument, let us assume that a deal is reached. Chisholm is a more natural second baseman, but the Braves also require outfield help. He could probably fit into one of the corner outfield positions.

Chisholm has played 81 games this season, hitting.259/.324/.423, with 10 home runs and 39 RBI.

Under contract until 2026, the price would be exorbitant, but would anyone be surprised if Jazz Chisholm Jr. became the best version of himself in Atlanta? Perhaps the investment would be worthwhile.