The deadline is quickly approaching, and I recently ranked the four biggest needs for the Braves. Outfield came in at the top spot following the season-ending injury to Adam Duvall. Thankfully, there are a lot of inspiring outfield trade targets available.
If you missed the first part to this series, follow the link below:
Top 5 Outfield Trade Targets
5. Jordan Luplow
Given the Braves prospect situation, which is not good, Alex Anthopoulos may address this year’s trade deadline a lot like the last, acquiring several under-the-radar options that nobody is talking about right now. Jordan Luplow fits that mold. Like Jorge Soler from 2021, Luplow is hitting below the Mendoza Line, but he packs a ton of pop in his bat and crushes left-handed pitching. In 76 at-bats this season against lefties, Luplow has eight homers and an .852 OPS. He would be the perfect platoon option for this Braves team.
4. Trey Mancini
For the life of me, I do not understand why the Orioles are fielding offers on Mancini. For the first time in forever, they have an outside shot at the playoffs, and they are playing better than just about everyone else right now. Even though Mancini is on an expiring contract, he’s a player they should be looking to hang on to for this season and beyond. However, reports suggest he could be on the move. I think it will take an overpay to land him, which is why he’s further down this list, but I would definitely be calling the Orioles if I were Alex Anthopoulos.
3. Jorge Soler
How about a reunion? According to a recent report from Jon Heyman, the Marlins are open to trading anyone on their roster not named Sandy Alcantara. That includes Jorge Soler, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Fish last offseason. So far, that deal hasn’t panned out fantastic for Miami. Soler has just a .695 OPS through 72 games, and the team has already decided to sell at the deadline. I imagine the Marlins will be open to moving Soler for not much at all, just to get rid of his contract, and the Braves should swoop in, as they have plenty of money available at their disposal. I’m not sure if lightning will strike twice, but Soler could help this season and for years to come, and he shouldn’t require any top prospects to acquire. A change of scenery back to Atlanta could do him wonders.
2. Ian Happ
Happ would be my favorite addition on this list. An All-Star this season, he has already accrued 2.9 WAR, and he does a little bit of everything. He’s a switch hitter that hits for average but also packs a punch, smacking 25 doubles and nine homers so far this season. Most importantly, Happ is extremely versatile defensively. He can play second base and roam the outfield, which should be especially appealing to the Braves because of the injury to Ozzie Albies. On top of that, Happ also comes with an extra year of control for next season. The only reason I don’t have him at the top of my list is because of the prospects it will cost to acquire him. Happ checks all the boxes; a bevy of teams will be interested in his services, and the Braves don’t have much to offer in terms of prospects.
1. Joc Pederson
Not many people expected the Giants to be sellers at the deadline, but they have spiraled way out of contention in the NL West, and even a Wild Card spot is beginning to look like a long shot. Right now, they are probably on the fence, but with a few more losses before the trade deadline, they could sell, and Pederson and his expiring contract should be out the door.
If you look strictly at WAR, Pederson might actually be the least valuable player on this list, but WAR doesn’t win championships. I’m taking my chances on the man who can bring energy to an entire city. His clubhouse presence alone would do the Braves wonders, but he’s also one of the most clutch players in all of baseball. Given Pederson is also on an expiring contract, he’s my top outfield target for the Braves leading up to the deadline.
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Thanks for reading this article on the top 5 outfield trade targets. Who would you like the Braves to acquire?
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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