About a month ago, a certain Braves beat writer merely suggested the club should mull over the possibility of trading their superstars.
Ozzie Albies/Orlando Arcia: I’d keep Albies because he has a strong clubhouse presence and he’s on an incredibly affordable contract. But Anthopoulos can’t ignore that the second baseman is a potentially valuable trade chip for a starting pitcher. Vaughn Grissom also could go in trade or be an infield replacement.
Michael Harris II: Some have suggested moving the will-be-one-day Gold Glove center fielder, an Atlanta native playing for his hometown team. I don’t like it. But can the team ignore that he’s 1-for-27 in the playoffs the last two years?
In the right deal, I’d be all for moving Arcia, but Albies’ name shouldn’t even be mentioned in talks.
He’s arguably the best second baseman in baseball and is certainly on the best contract. It would have to be a king’s ransom in return to even consider it, but the biggest reason Albies shouldn’t be moved has more to do with his impact in the locker room.
Albies is best friends with Ronald Acuna Jr., who the Braves need to keep happy. The club should be focused on minor tweaks to get over the hump, not trading the most beloved person in the clubhouse.
The overreaction to Michael Harris’ struggles in the postseason is perhaps even more laughable. He’s only 22 years old, is already one of the best players at his position and is under team control through 2032. Hell, if you make Harris available, why not put Ronald Acuna Jr. on the trade block?! The Braves won without him in 2021!
It’s asinine to suggest the Braves trade Albies, Harris, or any of Atlanta’s young stars who are under team control for years. Schultz knows that, but I guess he got what he wanted — Alex Anthopoulos’ attention.
During the Winter Meetings in Nashville, the GM told reporters no such thing would even be considered.
While prepping for the Winter Meetings this morning, Alex Anthopoulos made it very clear he hasn't and won't think about trading Albies, Harris or any other homegrown product who signed an extension over the past few years.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 3, 2023
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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