Braves: An argument against trading for Joc Pederson again

The Atlanta Braves could use some corner outfield help, but Joc Pederson shouldn’t be the answer two years in a row.

Pederson was instrumental in Atlanta’s World Series run last season, but lightning rarely strikes twice. There are unfortunately several key reasons why Joc will not be able to replicate his magic a second-straight year in the ATL.

The Braves have injury and productivity concerns at the corner outfield spots. Adam Duvall is out long-term, and Marcell Ozuna simply should not be playing outfield defense everyday. Pederson would fix those issues, somewhat.

However, Pederson is hurt himself, as he was just placed on the injured list with concussion-like symptoms. And as well-liked as he may be in the Braves clubhouse, Joc has often been in headlines for the wrong reasons this year.

Just this week, Cubs manager David Ross gave him the double birds on national television (albeit as a joke), and earlier this season he was slapped across the face due to a fantasy football dispute.

Braves can do better than Joc Pederson this time around

Atlanta acquired Pederson last season in part because he was cheap — the Braves traded away minor-league first baseman Bryce Ball for Joc and his pearls. This season, it would take much more.

At that point, the Braves might as well invest in a player who has more years left on his contract. Ian Happ, for one, is signed beyond this season and would come at a similar price. Ramon Laureano also has several arbitration years left on his deal, and Atlanta has trade experience with Oakland as recently as this offseason.

Last, and perhaps most importantly, there’s no guarantee San Francisco will even sell. Despite their recent struggles, the Giants are just four games out of a Wild Card spot. This is a team which won 107 games last year. Surely they have some fight in them.

As great of a story as it would be, trading for Pederson this time around does come with some risk.