3 trades Braves shouldn’t wait until deadline to make

Of course, we come to Atlanta’s biggest area of need as we inch closer to the trade deadline — the bullpen. According to Baseball Reference, the Braves have had 25 save opportunities through 67 regular-season games, and they have blown 12 of them, which is tied for the eighth-most in the majors. The numbers do not do justice as to how poorly Atlanta’s corps of relief pitchers have performed this season.

There are options that make sense for the Braves to target. While a popular name is Craig Kimbrel, who has resurrected his career with the Chicago Cubs this season, it seems doubtful that the team will trade him consider they are in the postseason hunt. Luckily for the Braves, the next best option available is Pittsburgh Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez.

The Pirates have been one of the worst teams in the majors this season, but Rodriguez is one of their bright spots, along with second baseman Adam Frazier. Through 27 appearances in 2021, Rodriguez has accumulated a 1.91 ERA, a 0.74 WHIP and eight saves on 10 opportunities. While the Pirates relief pitcher has only recorded 24 strikeouts in 28.1 innings of work, he only walked three batters. That is impressive stuff.

Atlanta desperately needs to add a premium bullpen arm if they want to contend not just for the division title, but for a postseason spot in general. They should give the rebuilding Pirates a call to see what it would take to acquire Rodriguez in a trade.