Braves: 5 under-the-radar trade targets Atlanta should be scouting
By Tim Boyle
2) Braves trade target Tyler Naquin is the consolation price for Andrew Benintendi
Tyler Naquin is already in his 30s which won’t help his free agent cause when he gets there this offseason. However, a big year in 2022 could still net him a pretty nice deal and a starting job in someone’s outfielder next year and for a couple of seasons after.
Naquin has enjoyed his two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds after falling on some tough times while in Cleveland. The left-handed-hitting right fielder with some center field experience could give the Braves some decent pop added to their lineup. He could even pair up nicely with a right-handed player in a platoon. It really depends on how far the Braves are willing to go to save their 2022 season.
There’s nothing to suggest the Reds would have any intention of holding onto Naquin. A solid start to the season for a team going nowhere, he’s a lesser-known outfielder whose name should come up plenty at the trade deadline.
Naquin has been largely overlooked as a potential option for teams to get a nice offensive boost. It’s understandable. Until last season, he had only one year of playing 100+ games.
In looking to repeat exactly what they did in 2021, Naquin could be a strong addition to the Braves roster to pair with Benintendi or even any of the other names on this list.