Alex Anthopoulos is never a general manager to sit on his hands at any point during the year, especially approaching the MLB trade deadline. He’s made at least one move every season since becoming general manager of the Braves, and that isn’t expected to change this year. The Braves don’t have a lot of holes, but there are always areas that can be bolstered, especially when looking at how Atlanta’s offense has performed throughout the first two months of the season.
However, the issue recently and in the future when it comes to the MLB trade deadline is that acquiring talented pieces has become a lot more difficult thanks to the expanded playoff format. More teams feel like they have a chance at getting in the dance, and they know anything can happen once they get there. That leads to a lot fewer teams selling and more teams buying, which MLB insider Ken Rosenthal discussed on the latest episode of Foul Territory.
The dynamics of the MLB trade deadline have changed with expanded playoffs, says @Ken_Rosenthal
"There will not be as many sellers, perhaps, as there used to be." pic.twitter.com/TOAZGaphqN
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 17, 2024
Braves fans know all too well that Alex Anthopoulos is all about finding value. When the supply is low and the demand is high, like it is at the trade deadline, value is nearly impossible to find. That’s not to say it can’t be done, just look at what the Rangers did last season. It’s just infinitely more difficult. I would be shocked to see the Braves make any blockbuster deals at this year’s MLB trade deadline, and frankly, I don’t see it happening in the near future either.
The expanded playoffs are a godsend for the league’s mediocre teams. The National League has been a perfect example of that. Major League Baseball has had a 12-team playoff format for just two years, and both times the last seed in the National League has made the World Series. Why would you punt on the season with two months remaining if you’re even around .500, knowing 85 wins could get you a shot at hoisting The Commissioner’s Trophy?
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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