3 players the Braves could trade while they still have the chance
By John Buhler
Pick Analysis. 1. player. 17. Scouting Report. OF. Atlanta Braves. Ender Inciarte
The most expendable player on the Braves’ roster has to be outfielder Ender Inciarte. As with Duvall, Inciarte may be pressed out of town with Pache’s emergence and Waters’ eventual arrival. Acuna will play centerfield until Pache is ready and then will move to right field full-time. If Atlanta brings back veteran Nick Markakis on another contract, how does Inciarte fit into the equation?
It was not all that long ago that Inciarte was an All-Star for the Braves. No doubt he is a tremendous defensive talent in the outfield, but the problem with him was his struggles at the plate in 2020. He routinely hit in the No. 9 hole. That is not to say he will have as many issues as a hitter in 2021, but Braves Country will not tolerate another year of poor plate performance.
As with Duvall, Smith and Swanson, Inciarte has more than one year left on his deal with the Braves. While he may not command as much as the other three, a team that has major defensive issues in the outfield and is in need of some veteran leadership to spark a cultural turnaround would love a player like Inciarte. He was so big for the Braves during his first few years in Atlanta.
Next. Twins daring teams to sign Eddie Rosario in cheap decision. dark
Ultimately, Anthopoulos will have to decide what he wants to do to transition his strong outfield personnel into the future. If he believes it is Acuna, Pache and Waters, then how soon will he put that trio into motion? If it is Acuna and either Pache or Waters, then one more outfield spot remains open for the future. By this time next year, we will know Atlanta’s outfield direction.
Will the Braves end up selling on any of these guys before the 2021 MLB trade deadline?