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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades the Braves should make

Jun 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) steals second past Atlanta Braves shortstop Erick Aybar (1) in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) steals second past Atlanta Braves shortstop Erick Aybar (1) in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 28: Second baseman Jason Kipnis
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 28: Second baseman Jason Kipnis

A.J. Pierzynski should be dealt to the Red Sox

A.J. Pierzynski is getting old. He came into the MLB in 1998 with the Minnesota Twins, and has played for six teams since then, including the Braves. The Braves have put an emphasis on building young talent, and if they’re going to commit to that, they need to trade some of these aging veterans like Pierzynski away.

He was brought to the Braves to be a mentor for Christian Bethancourt, but after defensive struggles Bethancourt was sent to the minors and then traded to the Padres. The Braves still have Tyler Flowers, so trading Pierzynski doesn’t create an immediate need at catcher.

What the Braves could do is trade Pierzynski for Deven Marreo. Marreo was a star at Arizona State and was considered one of the best defensive short stops in the history of college baseball. He hit a slump during his junior year and his value tailed off, but Marreo still has that game-breaking potential. If the Braves are interested in shoring up their leaky infield, having an amazing defender like Marreo come into the clubhouse might be just what the doctor ordered.

Next: Eric O'Flaherty should be dealt to the Detroit Tigers