Atlanta Braves: 4 disappointments who should be replaced at the trade deadline

Pablo Sandoval needs to go play in the AL at this point of his career

While he has been a great clubhouse guy and every Braves player loves to give him a hug after they go yard on somebody, Pablo Sandoval is not contributing enough as a deep bench player to help this team get better long-term. The idea of adding him last year was to bring ample postseason experience and a proven switch-hitter in the clutch. The issue is he rarely plays now.

Barring injury, Atlanta will start Freddie Freeman at first and Austin Riley at third base every game. That means the only semi-consistent contribution Sandoval can provide is the occasional pinch-hitting appearance. While he thrived in that role back in April, that was two months ago. He is better served at this point of his career to be playing for an American League team in a DH role.

Atlanta could theoretically use this infield spot occupied by Sandoval on a minor leaguer who can’t crack the 25-man roster otherwise or as a means to see if the Braves can cross-train somebody else to be a suitable backup to either Freeman or Riley in a worst-case scenario. Sandoval is way beyond being an every-day player at this point of his career. It’s been fun, but a change is coming.

Braves Country must relish every last Kung Fu Panda big-fly hug while it can before he is dealt.