Braves can solve outfield woes by trading for former local product

The Atlanta Braves should look into trading for former local star Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies before the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline.

With Adam Duvall done for the season, the Atlanta Braves could look to solve its outfield issues by trading for Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies.

Duvall needing wrist surgery has made Atlanta’s need to upgrade its outfield all the more pressing. While Michael Harris II has been sensational in his rookie season in centerfield, Ronald Acuña Jr. has struggled of late. Factor in Eddie Rosario only just working his way back from an eye injury, and does Braves Country really want to see Marcell Ozuna or Guillermo Heredia in left field?

Although that m**********r who wears pearls would be a great addition too, here is why Atlanta should seriously look at adding the longtime Colorado outfielder.

Atlanta Braves should look at trading for Colorado Rockies OF Charlie Blackmon

Blackmon may have been born in Dallas, Texas, but he grew up in Braves Country. He played his high school ball at North Gwinnett in Suwanee. After playing two years at Young Harris, he transferred to Georgia Tech where he would go on to be drafted by Colorado in the second round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. He has only played professionally for the Rockies organization.

Blackmon may no longer be in his prime as a perennial All-Star, but his bat and defensive versatility could be exactly what the Braves are looking for in the outfield. Like Duvall, and Pederson, Blackmon hits unrestricted free agency next winter. Although he has spent his entire career with the Rockies, the possibility of winning a World Series at home is very appealing.

While he may not have the foot speed he once did, Blackmon checks the box of exactly the type of player Atlanta should be trading for. Given that he is a bit older and not coming off an All-Star season like Pederson is, Atlanta could deal for the long-time Rockies outfielder much cheaper than it would be for the San Francisco Giants star. After all, Atlanta does not have a deep farm system.

Even though this potential move might be of the sentimental variety, former local products tend to do special things while wearing a Braves uniform. Atlanta fans have admired Blackmon’s game from a far for a while now. Given that he has more pop in his bat that Nick Markakis did at any point of his Braves career, Atlanta may be getting a former star playing with a chip on his shoulder.

If Blackmon were the addition that helped the Braves repeat, it would make this trade worthwhile.