Braves: 3 Cubs trade deadline targets worth pursuing

3) Braves trade target on the Cubs: Rafael Ortega

As fun as it would be for the Braves to employ the Contreras Brothers, it’s not all that realistic. Instead, the Braves should look to reunite with a member of the 2019 roster, Rafael Ortega.

Ortega was nothing more than a hypothetical Four-A outfielder when he played for the Braves in 2019. In 96 plate appearances, he batted .205/.271/.307 with 2 home runs. In his now over 500 plate appearances for the Cubs since 2021, Ortega has been a much better player. Last season, in 330 trips to the plate, he slashed .291/.360/.463 with 11 dingers and 12 stolen bases.

This season hasn’t started off quite as well but he is beginning to hit better for the lowly Cubs team he plays for. Ortega is a decent defensive player who can give teams some solid play in center field. On the Braves, he’d fit in nicely as a fifth outfielder with the potential to do more.

Atlanta’s outfielders have struggled mightily this year. Marcell Ozuna, although often a DH, is a terrible fielder and mostly only productive when he can lean into a home run. Adam Duvall’s season has been ugly on both sides of the ball. Ortega might not be a complete upgrade but he is another option to help the Braves get through injuries or a lengthy slump.

Best of all, he shouldn’t cost a whole lot. He’s already 31 and teams know what he is. Ortega is a role player. On a team like the 2022 Cubs, it’ll go unnoticed. On the Braves, he could be a franchise folk hero.