5 teams who should enter the Mookie Betts sweepstakes

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting an RBI single during the third inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles on September 29, 2019 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images /

3. Atlanta Braves

The Braves have been mentioned as a possible suitor for both Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant, with focus on filling a void at third base after losing Josh Donaldson. Even after quickly replacing Donaldson in the middle of the lineup with outfielder Marcell Ozuna, the hunt for another significant piece may well be on as Atlanta tries to stay atop the NL East.

Arenado and Bryant obviously fill a greater need for the Braves, as Austin Riley or Johan Camargo enter upcoming spring training as the top options to start at third base. But Ronald Acuna in center surrounded by Betts and Ozuna would be among the best offensive outfields in baseball, with Betts and Acuna as upper tier defensive players too.

Nick Markakis was re-signed to a one-year, $4 million deal at the beginning of the offseason, but if Betts were acquired to take over right field the Braves would then have a nice fourth outfielder to account for any injuries. Markakis could also become a trade chip.

Betts’ $27 million salary for the coming season may ultimately be the deal breaker for the Braves, as ownership seems hesitant to take on payroll. But if Ender Inciarte ($7.7 million in 2020, $8.7 million for 2021, $9 million club option for 2022) could be included in a trade with Boston, that would ease an outfield logjam as well as offload some significant money.

It’s possible to get Betts, that much is clear. The Braves can combine prospect capital with lower-cost pieces like few teams can in a trade offer to Boston, and maybe Betts would like Atlanta enough to sign there long-term.

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