Braves rumors: 3 assets Atlanta can trade for Xander Bogaerts

Braves rumors: Bryce Elder could be a useful asset to move for Xander Bogaerts

When it comes to pitching prospects, they either succeed, fizzle out, or settle for a relief role. The Braves happen to have a couple of good arms on the farm. At least one might need to be dealt in order to acquire a player of Bogaert’s abilities.

One potential option is 22-year-old Bryce Elder. Already a member of the big league team this season, he is the fifth-ranked prospect in the system according to MLB.com. Why him? He’s a right-hander and someone Boston may actually want.

Unlike fellow pitching prospect Tucker Davidson, Elder is under 25 and far more desirable. Only the third-best pitching prospect the Braves have, he falls behind Spencer Strider (2) and Kyle Muller (4). Trading a pitching prospect for a big league player can often backfire for one of the two teams involved. The Braves need to be smart about which one they’d choose. Elder, while a fine pitcher, might be enough when paired with someone like Swanson to get a deal done. He can at least insert himself into the Red Sox rotation quickly if not immediately.

A deal between the Braves and Red Sox involving Bogaerts and any of these Atlanta assets feels inevitable. Atlanta was never really in on any of the big shortstop free agents over the offseason but may now wish they did. Because Bogaerts could turn into just a rental, they need to be cautious about giving up too much. However, nothing is stopping them from doing what they did with Matt Olson. A trade then sign could work too and help Atlanta win the deal by locking up their new young star early.