The trade deadline is three weeks away, and after the All-Star break, the Wild Wild West could ensue. Or it could be incredibly quiet; that’s the price Major League Baseball is paying since expanding the playoffs. Pretty much every club still thinks they have a shot at the playoffs at this point in the season, and in this sport, all you need to do is get in the dance to pull off something miraculous come October.
Eventually, the selling teams will become a bit more clear as August approaches, and one place the Braves don’t have a choice but to upgrade is the outfield.
In this series, I’ll be discussing my top five Braves trade targets at each position of need, covering the outfield, shortstops, starting pitchers, and the bullpen. These won’t just be the five best potentially available players; these are my guys. Fit will be included, and I won’t be listing players that are not realistic targets for the Braves.
Top 5 Braves Outfield Trade Targets
5. George Springer
Let’s get creative with the first name on my list. George Springer hasn’t lived up to the billing of the six-year, $150 million contract he signed with the Blue Jays a few years ago. He’s amid a career-worst season, recording a .682 OPS over 86 games. At 34 years old, he’s unlikely to be what he once was, but perhaps the Blue Jays get desperate. They need to start trading pieces and could be willing to eat most of the $50 million Springer has remaining on the final two years of his contract in 2025 and 2026.
Even in his latter years, George Springer can still provide good defense, and I’m not convinced he’s completely incapable of rebounding offensively. The Braves are notorious for getting guys into the building and helping them bounce back with the stick. This is sort of following the Chris Sale blueprint. Toronto eats most of the money, Springer still won’t cost much in terms of prospect capital, and the Braves take a gamble on a four-time All-Star with a career OPS+ of 126 (26% above league average).
 4. Luis Rengifo
This is another instance of the Braves getting creative, and there are some injury concerns. Rengifo is amid a career year with the Halos, hitting .315 with six homers and an OPS of .800. However, he’s currently on the IL with a hand injury. His MRI was negative, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before he’s back on the field, but it is something to consider. Rengifo has primarily been an infielder but does have some experience in the outfield, and the Braves could be willing to roll the dice with him out there. There’s also the potential for him to play some shortstop in Atlanta. Rengifo has only appeared there one time this season, but he’s capable, and the Braves are desperately looking for answers there as well.
3. Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker may not be the best defensive outfielder, but neither were Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson, and Eddie Rosario when the Braves acquired those guys back at the 2021 trade deadline. Right now, Alex Anthopoulos’ top priority should be getting guys in the lineup that can mash, and nobody on this list does that better than Brent Rooker. He currently sports an .899 OPS on the season with 18 home runs and a 157 OPS+ (57% above league average). Rooker is also under team control through 2027, making him an ideal trade target for the Braves.
With that being said, all of that is kind of a double-edged sword. Rooker is playing the best ball of his career and under contract for three more seasons. Every single competitive club will be calling the Athletics for his services, and Oakland doesn’t have to trade him unless they get a king’s ransom in return.
2. Taylor Ward
The Angels will undoubtedly sell at the trade deadline, and Taylor Ward will be coveted by every team in need of outfield help. That could force Alex Anthopoulos to pivot, but he fits everything the Braves need in an outfielder. He’s an above average defensive player that has recorded an OPS+ of at least 105 in each of the last three seasons, including a 133 OPS+ (33% above league average) in 2022. His numbers are a tick down this year, but his peripherals suggest he’s in line for significant positive regression. Ward is also under contract through 2026 at a team-friendly rate. The Braves don’t just need an outfielder for this season. With Ronald Acuña Jr’s status unknown for next year, trade targets with multiple years of control are preferred.
1. Randy Arozarena
Randy Arozarena is amid the worst season of his career, but I’m not buying that continuing, and I highly doubt the rest of the league is either. So, if you’re expecting him to come at a discount, think again. Arozarena is the exact type of player the Braves need in all aspects. He owns a career OPS+ of 122 and is under contract through the 2026 season at a team-friendly rate. He’s also the ultimate vibes guy in the clubhouse and has proven to be one of the better postseason hitters in MLB history, boasting a .336 average with 11 homers and a 1.104 OPS over 33 games in October. There’s no question who the Braves dream trade target is at this year’s trade deadline. Unfortunately, I imagine a lot of other teams feel the same way as well.
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Photo: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
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