The trade deadline is fast approaching, and it won’t be long before we see some of the earliest significant trades come to fruition. Over the last several weeks, I’ve broken down a number of potential Braves trade targets from a plethora of teams, and today, it continues with a club that was just in the World Series nine months ago.
The Diamondbacks are a team Braves fans — and really any team in the playoff hunt — should keep a close eye on over the next couple of weeks. They have a plethora of talent that could help clubs hoping to make a push towards October, but they are far from out of it just yet, sitting just a few games back in the Wild Card race. However, if things get worse over the next month, they could be open to dealing a number of players, several of which will interest the Braves.
If you missed any of the previous parts to this series, follow the links below.
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- Braves trade targets from Athletics
- Braves trade targets from Angels
- Braves trade targets from Rockies
- Braves trade targets from White Sox
- Braves trade targets from Mets
- Braves trade targets from Marlins
- Braves trade targets from Red Sox
- Braves trade targets from Tigers
- Braves trade targets from Blue Jays: Shortstops
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Joc Pederson
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discussed bringing back Joc Pederson in a trade since he departed following the Braves World Series run in 2021. But there’s a good reason for it. Pederson has played unbelievable baseball over the last three seasons, continuing this year, as he’s hitting .283 with 10 homers and an .873 OPS, which is just shy of his career high .874 OPS that he recorded back in 2022 after signing with the Giants.
We also know what Joc Pederson offers in terms of vibes. He’s the ultimate competitor that shows up on the biggest of stages and would fit like a glove in the Braves clubhouse. Atlanta desperately needs an outfielder. If Pederson is made available, which is very possible if the Diamondbacks sell considering he will be a free agent at season’s end, I don’t see any reason why the Braves shouldn’t be interested.
Randal Grichuk
If the Braves don’t believe lightning will strike again in the same spot, Randal Grichuk is another outfielder that could interest Alex Anthopoulos. He offers some pop, has crushed lefties over his career and currently owns a 126 OPS+. Grichuk is also under contract for just $1.5 million this season with a $6 million mutual option for next season. He’s cheap and shouldn’t require much in terms of prospects.
Jordan Montgomery
Jordan Montgomery probably shouldn’t be on speaking terms with Scott Boras after the way he handled his free agency. The notorious sports agent essentially gambles with his career trying to hold out for the biggest deal, and now Montgomery is paying the price. He wound up settling for a one-year, $25 million contract that has a player option for year two at the same price.
From Montgomery’s perspective, the hope was to turn in another stellar season and re-evaluate his value this winter. Instead, he’s been dreadful for the Diamondbacks, posting an unsightly 6.03 ERA over 13 starts.
Frankly, I’m not sure if Montgomery has any trade value or if the Diamondbacks want to sell so low on a guy who has been great his entire career. But if the Braves want to gamble, I’m sure Arizona would listen to offers, even if it just means ridding of his contract. Montgomery was critical to the Texas Rangers World Series run last year and has a track record that suggests he’ll eventually figure things out.
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Photo: Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire
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