Braves: 3 short-term replacements for Ronald Acuña if necessary

Drew Waters

Perhaps the most popular candidate to replace Acuña in right field is none other than No. 2 overall prospect Drew Waters. Atlanta’s second-round selection in the 2017 MLB Draft has long been seen as the organization’s future in the outfield, alongside Acuña and Cristian Pache. With the Braves less than a handful of games behind the New York Mets for first-place in the NL East, why not call up one of your top prospects to help maintain ground?

Waters only played in four spring training games with the raves, where he went two-for-four at the plate with one double and two RBI. He did not make the major league roster, and was sent down to Triple-A. Through 46 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, Waters is slashing .257/.351/.413 while recording five home runs, 18 RBI, 29 runs scored and 46 hits.

The best thing about the Braves calling up Waters is that he can play all three outfield positions. The Braves would certainly love the versatility he can bring off the bench.

Trade Candidate: Robbie Grossman

Given that this is a short-term injury replacement list, we would be remiss to ignore trade candidates. Even if the Braves are not looking fill the void left by Acuña on the long-term, they can bring in a veteran piece that won’t cost too much in a trade deal. If the Braves want to explore said option, they should give the Detroit Tigers a call about Robbie Grossman.

Grossman joined the Tigers this past offseason on a two-year, $10 million contract. Like Waters, the veteran outfielder can play all three outfield spots. This season, however, Grossman has been flawless when playing in right field, as he owns a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage (52 putouts and one assist in 53 total chances).

Through 85 games this season, Grossman has recorded a .229 batting average, .754 OPS, 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 44 runs scored and 70 hits.

If Acuña is to miss too much time from the injury, the Braves can consider bringing in Grossman to fill in just in case they do not view Adrianza or Waters as replacement options.