Braves: History could repeat itself with this trade deadline target

The Atlanta Braves could trade for beloved outfielder Joc Pederson in back-to-back Julys.

Stranger things have happened before, but there is a real possibility the Atlanta Braves could deal for Joc Pederson in back-to-back MLB trade deadlines.

A lot can happen between now and the end of the month, but the San Francisco Giants‘ recent struggles could make them a surprise seller in the latter stages of July. After being a postseason hero in Atlanta, the Bay Area native signed a one-year deal worth $6 million to play for his hometown team. Hey now, he might be an All-Star, but could Joc get his game on in Atlanta again?

Minus Ronald Acuña Jr. tearing his ACL on the warning track in Miami, history could repeat itself.

Atlanta Braves: What if Joc Pederson brings his pearls back to The ATL in July?

Even though Pederson is playing incredible baseball for the Giants, he is on an expiring contract and he is on the wrong side of 30. If San Francisco does decide to be sellers at the trade deadline, Pederson could be on the move once again. He has been a big part of the last two World Series championship teams, so Pederson knows exactly what it takes to win, and win big, come October.

While everybody knows that Pederson would fit in marvelously in the Atlanta clubhouse, the Braves are not in as dire of a need for an outfielder as last year. Acuña is healthy. Rookie Michael Harris II has been incredible. Eddie Rosario is finally back from his eye injury. And while Adam Duvall and Marcell Ozuna have been hit or miss, they have done enough at the plate to stay put.

Barring an unforeseen injury over the next few weeks, Atlanta is not in as desperate of a situation in the outfield as it was a season ago. However, the good news is Braves County knows it has a general manager in Alex Anthopoulos who is not afraid to make a deal when the clock is ticking. He will be active in the latter part of July because … he always is. So maybe Pederson could return?

Overall, the Braves have one of the more complete rosters in all of baseball. This team did win the World Series last year and has won the NL East crown each of the last four seasons. If Atlanta needs anything at the deadline, it would have to be an arm or two in the bullpen. They could use another middle infielder if Ozzie Albies is sidelined with his broken foot a bit longer than expected.

A lot can change over the next few weeks, but you better believe Atlanta is monitoring Pederson.