The Atlanta Braves don’t have much to offer at this year’s trade deadline if they are not willing to part ways with any of their core players. Which, to this point, has been the consensus among MLB insiders.
There’s been a lot of chatter around Marcell Ozuna leading up to the trade deadline. He’s recently been benched due to poor performance after a really tough two-month stretch and has 10-and-5 rights, allowing him the ability to veto any trade, which complicates things even further.
The market for designated hitters, to begin with, isn’t going to be very hot. So, the Braves might have to eat some of the remaining $5 million left on Ozuna’s salary if they are going to find a taker.
On the pitching side of things, Atlanta also has a few relievers that should interest competing teams. Even amid a career-worst campaign, Raisel Iglesias will have no shortage of suitors due to his track record and reputation as a fantastic clubhouse presence. A change of scenery could do him wonders, as it did a few years ago when the Braves acquired him from the Angels at this time of year.
Pierce Johnson is another name to keep a close eye on. He does have a $7 million club option for next season, so the Braves could conceivably hang onto him, but that option also makes him a lot more attractive to prospective buyers. Aaron Bummer could interest some teams looking for lefty reliever help as well, but with his salary spiking to $9.5 million next season, that trade could be a complicated one.
However, for Braves fans anxiously hoping for a notification to pop up any minute, they may want to put down their phone until Thursday. At least, that’s what Jim Bowden suggested on the latest episode of Foul Territory, saying most relievers likely won’t be dealt until July 31st. But once the first one goes, an avalanche of trades involving bullpen pieces should follow.
Typically, this time of year is exciting for everyone. Buyers are gearing up for a playoff push, while sellers reap the rewards, acquiring a number of hot prospects that can help the team in the future.
Unfortunately, given the Braves’ unwillingness to listen on any of their most valuable assets, it’s not looking like the Braves will be involved in any fireworks this week.
