David Peralta
Daniel Peralta is a fantastic story. Originally a pitcher in the Cardinals’ farm system, Peralta was let go by the organization due to a number of injuries, including his shoulder. He ultimately elected to join the Independent Leagues as a hitter, and the Arizona Diamondbacks gave him a chance. Now, it is 2018, and Peralta is coming off a career year, hitting for a .293 average, with 30 homers and 87 RBI on his way to his first Silver Slugger Award. He now has two years left of team control.
This is exactly the type of bat the Braves need to protect Freddie Freeman in the middle of the lineup. If the Diamondbacks opt to rebuild this offseason, they may look to sell on Peralta, as his value is at an all-time high. This will all depend on how things go for the Snakes in free agency, with A.J. Pollock and Patrick Corbin hitting the market this offseason, and Robbie Ray and Paul Goldschmidt set to hit free agency the year after.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber long looked like he was destined for the AL, but the hard work he put in defensively has really shown. His name has been included in trade rumors for a while now, but Theo Epstein has downplayed the noise surrounding him. However, it is hard to ignore that Schwarber’s progression has not gone as most thought it would have.
Schwarber has upside, but he does not come without concerns. While his defense has improved, his splits have suggested that he may be more of a platoon hitter. Nevertheless, it was not long ago he was looked at as a future star, and it if he is made available, it should not take a king’s ransom to acquire him.
Franmil Reyes
The Padres have a lot of decisions to make in their outfield. According to A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com, he sees Hunter Renfroe and Franmil Reyes as primary trade candidates for the Padres.
If this is the case, the Braves should try to make a move for a budding young star to take over the outfield vacancy. Austin Riley aside, Atlanta really does not have any major league ready bats. Reyes is controlled through the 2025 season.
The 6’5″, 275-pound, 23-year old has put up great power production in the minors and it translated to the majors. He started the season hitting .331 with 18 homers and 55 RBI in just 67 games in the minors. Upon being promoted to the majors, he hit .280 with 16 homers and 31 RBI in 87 games.
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