Braves could take care of 2 concerns with 1 trade thanks to Cubs

The Braves would like to strengthen left field and their relief staff before the trade deadline, which makes a combo trade with the Cubs a great option.

It’s not easy to defend a championship. The Braves are in the middle of that steep uphill climb this summer with the trade deadline presenting their last chance to reinforce before the race to October.

At 59-41, Atlanta is in a fine spot when it comes to the playoffs with a seven-game advantage in the wildcard race.

However, with the Dodgers and Mets dominating the National League, they could use some help to raise their chances of more postseason success.

A savvy trade with the Cubs for Ian Happ and David Robertson could be the trick.

Braves trade rumors: Combo trade with Cubs makes sense

David O’Brien of The Athletic laid out the Braves needs ahead of the trade deadline with a left fielder and reliever standing out.

It just so happens the Cubs have one of each on the trade block this very moment.

Happ is one of the top outfield targets in the trade market right now with an affordable salary and control through 2023. He just made his first All-Star appearance thanks to an excellent start to the season.

Acquiring Happ could relieve a lot of the concern in left field after losing Adam Duvall to injury.

Robertson is having his best season in years as a reliever since coming back from Tommy John surgery in 2021. Serving as the Cubs closer, he has an ERA of 1.83 with 14 saves in 35 appearances. His WHIP is 0.992

The righty would strengthen Atlanta’s bullpen while bringing solid postseason experience to the mix.

It’s easy to point out players a team could use. It’s another thing to actually get a trade to work. Acquiring both Happ and Robertson would not be cheap.

O’Brien suggests using top pitching prospect Kyle Muller as the lynchpin of the trade with several other prospects thrown in. Any package the Braves put together would have to beat out the other competitive offers the Cubs are sure to receive from around the league. It may be a long shot.