What would the Braves need to trade to get Kris Bryant?
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Braves could be one of the teams interested in trading for Kris Bryant this July.
After acquiring Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves could potentially add Kris Bryant before the trade deadline.
While Chicago has already tipped its hand as sellers in this trade market, Atlanta may not be punting on the 2021 MLB season just yet. Despite never being above .500 at any point this year, the Braves are only four games back of the New York Mets in the NL East standings.
With New York expected to be in the market to add Bryant before the deadline, maybe Atlanta plays spoiler?
What the Atlanta Braves have to give up to land Kris Bryant in a trade
Bryant had been tied to the Braves throughout the offseason. While most of those packages centered around third baseman Austin Riley going the other way, it feels like he is staying put with the Braves.
Chicago may have interest in Riley, but a soon-to-be rebuilding team may want to add more pieces from Atlanta’s deep farm system. They just added Bryce Ball in the Pederson deal.
From a prospect standpoint, Atlanta would likely have to give up its No. 4 prospect, shortstop Braden Shewmake and its No. 6 prospect, left-hander Jared Shuster.
Atlanta could conceivably offer one of its two best prospects in outfielders Cristian Pache or Drew Waters, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos will be reluctant to do so for a rental like Bryant who will enter free agency this winter. If the Cubs want a contributor now, add Bryse Wilson.
While Atlanta is not likely to land Bryant later this month, the Braves have the assets to do make an attractive proposal to Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer.