Cristian Paché thankful for support he’s gotten from Braves fans

Despite being traded away from the Atlanta Braves, outfielder Cristian Paché is thankful for the support he received in the aftermath.

Paché was part of the prospect package sent to the Oakland Athletics in return for first baseman Matt Olson, who was deemed a replacement for franchise icon Freddie Freeman. At the time, Paché was one of the top prospects in Atlanta’s system.

In Oakland, Paché struggled to adjust initially. Nonetheless, given the direction the A’s are headed, he’ll have plenty of time to figure it out.

In 54 games, Paché has slashed .163/.210/.229 with an OPS of .439 and an OPS+ of 31. Those numbers tell the story of a top prospect struggling to adapt to better pitching at the MLB level.

In the aftermath of his trade to Oakland, Paché said he was heartbroken.

“I was a little bit in shock (when I was traded),” Paché said, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “How could I not be? I felt sad but it was a good opportunity for me.”

Cristian Paché thankful for support from Braves fans

While Paché was traded before things could really work out in Atlanta, fans still supported him upon his exit.

“I was surprised to continue to receive that much love from the fans,” he said. “It makes me very happy.”

Paché still gets plenty of support from Atlanta sports fans despite the fact he plays in Oakland now. His struggles have been well-noted, but Braves fans hope he turns it around soon.

“I feel like I’m together with them (the fans). I love communicating with them on social media. It makes me feel like we are close.”

For a player who has so much promise to receive support not just from Oakland, but also his former team, is a breath of fresh air in baseball. Hopefully he can turn things around soon.