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Braves: 3 young players Atlanta would have to sell in any Juan Soto trade

By Mark Powell

Jul 16, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) tosses his cap while standing in the infield prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) tosses his cap while standing in the infield prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Braves, Michael Harris II
Jul 8, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II reacts after the Braves defeated the Washington Nationals at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Soto rumors: Braves could trade Michael Harris II

Harris II was much of the reason Atlanta deemed it okay to trade away both Pache and Waters. As the team’s everyday centerfielder, Harris II carries tremendous value, and would help the Braves keep the trade return fairly limited in terms of number of players.

At just 21 years old, Harris’ value may never be higher if he regresses. Either that, or he’s just beginning. Harris II is slashing .277/.310/.494 in 46 games so far at the big-league level. Trading him carries significant risk, but that’s the same risk the Nationals would be taking on by trading Soto within the division. That’s why the ask is a little higher here.

Harris II will be in the running for Rookie of the Year, as he’s playing so well the Braves have been forced to keep him up at the big-league level. He’s often masked Atlanta’s overall outfield struggles, especially with Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall failing to carry their own.

It’s painful, but acquiring Soto to play the outfield with Ronald Acuña would make that pain far more bearable.

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