The Atlanta Braves have a list of needs in hand as they get closer to the MLB trade deadline on July 30. It begins there since Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. are sidelined for the season. In order to strengthen the back end of the rotation and make up for the absence of the reigning MVP, the Braves require an additional starting pitcher and an outfield bat.
It goes without saying that Atlanta won’t be able to replace Strider and Acuña one-on-one. Nevertheless, trade deadline operator Alex Anthopoulos is renowned for his cunning. Without Acuña, his midseason additions in 2021 helped the Braves win the World Series. Though the National League is quite open, it will be difficult to duplicate that performance this season. The Braves still have the coaching, talent, and experience to succeed.
The majority of the players linked to Atlanta have been benchwarmers, temporary fill-ins who can shore up a weak spot for a few months before disappearing from the Braves’ roster in the winter. That makes sense as the Braves aren’t plagued by problems when they’re playing at their best. However, Anthopoulos has the option to become quite combative. The agricultural system in Atlanta isn’t very strong, but there’s enough trade ammunition to hunt big animals.
In a recent Talkin’ Baseball Podcast episode, Trevor Plouffe made an audacious forecast. He thinks that in a few weeks the Braves will sign Miami Marlins OF-2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., who seems destined for a change of scenery.
“They are going to pursue an outfielder, and Jazz is going to be dealt. Send Jazz Chisholm to the Braves, please. (Source: Sporting News)
Jazz is going to appreciate performing in Atlanta, as was also mentioned on the show. He has a history of being an admirer of Ronald Acuña. Not only would he get to temporarily replace his idol, but Chisholm would also get to compete with Acuña for the next few years at the very least. What a fantasy.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Marlins and the Braves are an ideal match.
Honestly, Anthopoulos ought to be thrilled with this decision. Chisholm has the ability to enter arbitration until the 2026 season, ensuring that he will play for at least three seasons (and hopefully playoff runs) before his yearly compensation skyrockets. Atlanta can afford to forgo the future in favor of the present, even though the trade price is higher as a result. especially considering that the 26-year-old Chisholm has a lot of upside and should thrive in a more regimented, competitive setting.
This situation has a hint of gluttony. At full strength, Atlanta already has three legitimate starters in the outfield: Jarred Kelenic, Michael Harris II, and Acuña. Nevertheless, Chisholm has previous experience playing second base. Ozzie Alibes could move to shortstop, where he played in the minor leagues, and he could go to the infield. In terms of the long-term strategy, Atlanta effectively replaces Orlando Arcia and Acuña in the near future.
Of course, that assessment of the circumstances is optimistic. After all this time, asking Albies to switch positions carries some risk. The likelihood is that Atlanta will need to assess Kelenic’s future, as he had a poor start to the season but has picked up speed since assuming the leadoff position. If the former is incompatible at second base, then Chisholm, Harris, and Acuña would be the cornerstone components in the outfield.
Chisholm, an athletic marvel who is 26 years old and has already made an All-Star appearance, is still a gamble worth taking. He’s the kind of player Atlanta ought to be targeting because of his great promise. Chisholm’s offensive season has been going well; he has slashed.249/.321/.407 with 12 home runs, 48 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. He frequently flashes the leather, and the Atlanta hitting system ought to make the young player more consistent.
At minimum, this is an intriguing idea. Will it take place? Most likely not. However, the concept is well-thought out.
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