Braves rumors: Reds trade could give Atlanta another big bat at the deadline

Recent Atlanta Braves rumors have linked them to a Cincinnati Reds player many teams could be after before the trade deadline passes.

The trade deadline Atlanta Braves rumors have directed the team toward adding both offense and pitching before Tuesday. The Cincinnati Reds, in full sale mode, could offer the Braves a player that would fit into last year’s model of adding multiple bats to the roster.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the latest Braves rumors have Atlanta as a possible destination for Drury. The super-utility man who has found himself a home at third base regularly for the Reds this season is having a fantastic year for Cincinnati and should be trade fodder for a club looking for someone they can play at a multitude of positions.

Braves rumors: Brandon Drury is someone Atlanta can trade for and solve a couple of problems

Drury would not end up seeing much action at third base if he was to end up with the Braves. That’s Austin Riley’s job. No one is going to take it away.

However, with Ozzie Albies out, the Braves do have a wide opening at second base. Drury could also see starts at other places on the field as well as he’s more than capable of handling himself in both corner outfield positions, too.

Versatile players like Drury are coveted by more than the fantasy baseball owners who draft them. There’s a reason why someone like Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs is also an incredibly desirable trade target right now. His history of playing multiple positions makes him a target for just about any team. Like Happ, Drury is someone a general manager should trade for the moment they can and figure things out later.

There should be little doubt that Drury can continue to play well even after leaving Cincinnati. He was a highly-regarded young player with the Arizona Diamondbacks years ago. A problem with his vision derailed his career almost as soon as he joined the New York Yankees in 2018. Now playing well enough where one could make the case he should have been an All-Star, it’s not a surprise to see him enter the Braves rumors chat.

Cincinnati gave Drury a chance this season and he has proven his value. Atlanta, with zero top 100 prospects, would seem to be a nice trade partner with the Reds, who should be looking for a good yet not great haul for him.