Jeff Passan names trade targets available for the Braves

As Christmas approaches, the Braves have yet to make a single substantial acquisition, which, understandably, has many fans perturbed.

I’m of the notion that nothing should be judged until the job is finished. Obviously, if the Braves go into the 2025 campaign with this roster, everyone has the right to thumb their nose at the organization, but I don’t imagine that is something we will be worried about in a few months.

There are still plenty of free agents available that fill positions of need, and even bigger names on the trade block, which Jeff Passan recently discussed in his latest article for ESPN.

“Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is owed $15 million this year with a pair of $20 million club options after that, and whether it’s this winter or at the July trade deadline, he is widely expected to be dealt.

For teams in search of an outfield bat, the Mets’ Starling Marte, Cleveland’s Lane Thomas, San Francisco’s Mike Yastrzemski and the Los Angeles Angels‘ Taylor Ward are there to be had.”

Luis Robert is the most intriguing name among the potential outfield trade targets for the Braves, but he’s also the biggest gamble. He’s had trouble staying on the field and is coming off a season in which he hit .224 with 14 homers over 100 games. Combine that with his contract and the White Sox’s asking price, and there’s a lot of risk for any inquiring team to consider.

Lane Thomas, Taylor Ward, and Mike Yastrzemski are not bad fallback options, but they certainly don’t move the needle enough for the Braves to feel comfortable with their outfield situation.

On the starting pitching side of things, which is right up there in terms of the Braves’ most substantial needs, there are several marquee names that could be moved before the start of the 2025 season.

“The cache of arms who could be on the move includes Padres right-hander Dylan Cease, Miami left-hander Jesus Luzardo, St. Louis right-hander Erick Fedde, Texas right-hander Jon Gray and Minnesota right-hander Chris Paddack, with Tampa Bay less likely to move right-hander Zack Littell after dealing lefty Jeffrey Springs to the A’s,” Jeff Passan writes for ESPN. 

Passan also mentions Luis Castillo as a potential candidate, but the Mariners are looking for major-league ready talent in return, which isn’t something the Braves really have to offer in a trade.

The Braves were in on Dylan Cease last offseason, but trading with the Padres might also be difficult, given their needs. Jesus Luzardo could be a quality buy-low candidate, but the Marlins would probably force the Braves to pay a premium if they are going to trade him to a division rival. Jon Gray and Erick Fredde are more likely targets, and they could provide more than enough depth until Spencer Strider returns.

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