Fansided

Braves: 3 division rivals we should trade for right now

By Drew Koch

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 05: Yadiel Hernandez #29 and Lane Thomas #28 of the Washington Nationals celebrate. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 05: Yadiel Hernandez #29 and Lane Thomas #28 of the Washington Nationals celebrate. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Tanner Rainey #21 of the Washington Nationals could beef up the Braves bullpen.
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 13: Tanner Rainey #21 of the Washington Nationals. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. The Braves should trade for Nationals pitcher Tanner Rainey

The Atlanta Braves got a bit of bad news this week. Closer Kenley Jansen has been placed on the IL with an irregular heartbeat. This is not the first time that Jansen has dealt with the issue, but it’s still of concern to the Braves.

Atlanta could have used a boost to their bullpen before Jansen hit the IL, but this latest news may only accelerate the Braves’ need for some extra relievers. Washington Nationals closer Tanner Rainey would be a fine addition to the Braves bullpen.

Rainey has been good, not great this season. The hard-throwing right-hander owns an ERA just north of 3.00 and has 29 punchouts in 24 innings of work. Rainey has 10 saves on the season in 13 chances.

The 2022 season represents a nice bounce-back for Rainey who endured a pretty miserable 2021 season with a 7.39 ERA and as many blown saves (3) as saves (3). Rainey does not become a free agent until after the 2025 season.

Contending teams can never have enough relievers in the bullpen. While Jansen is assumed to be back at some point, and the Braves already have A.J. Minter and Tyler Matzek as part of their relief corps, adding a power arm like Tanner Rainey would certainly be a welcome upgrade.

3 photos that prove Freeman regrets leaving ATL. dark. Next

Home/Atlanta Braves