Braves rumors: 3 All-Stars not named Juan Soto to trade for
By Tim Boyle
The Atlanta Braves probably won’t trade for Juan Soto but they can still pick up these three All-Stars.
Don’t count on the Atlanta Braves trading for Juan Soto this summer than riding him to another World Series victory. As available as he may be, it’s hard to picture the Braves giving the Washington Nationals the kind of haul they want for their All-Star outfielder.
Other 2022 All-Stars, however, might not be so difficult to pry away. Three, in particular, are free agents at the end of the season and on the wish list for many clubs.
We know the Braves are going to be aggressive at the trade deadline. Can they add one of these All-Stars not named Juan Soto?
1) Braves All-Star trade target not named Juan Soto: Andrew Benintendi
Andrew Benintendi’s vaccination status may have hurt his chances with a few teams. The Braves shouldn’t be one of them. Unless they end up in a repeat of the 1992 World Series and he refuses to get vaccinated, it doesn’t make a difference in regards to playing time.
Benintendi was the lone Kansas City Royals player sent to the All-Star Game and it was a well-deserved selection. He hit .317/.386/.401 in the first half and might be the exact kind of rental the Braves should seek.
Although the 3 home runs he has this year is incredibly light, the Braves get plenty of power from other players. They don’t have a whole lot of guys hitting for a high average. Benintendi can add this to their roster.
He’d be an upgrade over Adam Duvall who has struggled mightily this season. Eddie Rosario recently returned from the IL and didn’t heat up in the few opportunities he recently got. Looking to repeat a little history, Benintendi could be an outfielder to help carry them a little further past the finish line and maybe even catch the New York Mets.