The Braves have yet to make a move at the trade deadline, but there are more than 24 hours left until the final bell. If we’ve learned anything from Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta isn’t done dealing until the fat lady sings.
In the last couple of days, reports have surfaced linking the Braves to the White Sox, specifically Garrett Crochet, as well as Blake Snell and the Giants. Additionally, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that the Angels have listened to the Braves in regards to a potential Taylor Ward trade.
“10. Taylor Ward, RF, Angels — The Angels don’t have to trade Ward, who has hit 15 home runs with 47 RBIs, but they have listened when teams like the Braves and Mariners have texted them. Ward has slashed only .154/.230/.218 in July. He’s under team control through 2026.”
A couple of seasons ago, Ward looked like an All-Star, posting a .281/.360/.473 slash line. That production has dipped over the last season and a half or so. In 2024 thus far, Ward owns a pedestrian .226/.309/.396 line, but what he does do is smash lefties.
Against southpaws, Taylor Ward is hitting .294/.365/.468 since the start of the 2022 season, compared to .243/.328/.423 against right-handed pitching in that same period.
The Braves, more than anything, need to relegate Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, and Jarred Kelenic to platoon roles. Hell, an argument could be made that a bench role could serve them better. A Taylor Ward trade would go a long way in accomplishing just that.
Moreover, he’s under team control for the next couple of seasons, which could be a goal of Alex Anthopoulos’, to potentially fill a 2025 and beyond void before it even arises.
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Photographer: John Cordes/Icon Sportswire
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