Braves fans disappointed by Juan Soto-less trade with Nationals

The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals have made a Juan Soto-less trade.

The Atlanta Braves announced earlier today that Ehire Adrianza has returned for his second stint in a Braves uniform, this time in a minor trade with the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league outfielder Trey Harris. Robinson Canó has been DFA’d to make room for Adrianza on both the 40-man and active roster.

There’s a lot to unpack here.

It’s not quite the trade Braves fans were hoping for when the ‘Braves make trade with Nationals’ headline popped up on their phones, as Nationals superstar Juan Soto is still the biggest name being thrown around in trade rumors as we near the MLB trade deadline.

Of course, Atlanta has not been mentioned as one of the final teams in the running for Soto, but you can’t blame fans for trying.

Sorry Atlanta, the Braves and Nationals make Juan Soto-less trade

In Ehire Adrianza, the Braves are acquiring a player that they are very familiar with. He was a part of their World Series-winning team last season and had what is statistically his best full season in the big leagues with them.

Adrianza is the type of player where you know exactly what you’re getting when he joins the team. He is a light-hitting super utilityman who can play every infield spot and the outfield corners. He is a switch-hitter with no pop to speak of, but has a strong eye at the plate and is a pesky slap-hitter that is becoming increasingly uncommon in modern day baseball aside from someone like Luis Arraez.

This year, Adrianza has 31 games in the bigs under his belt, driving in seven runs and posting a dreadful 35 OPS+ while functioning as a bench bat for the Nats, a role he will continue in Atlanta.

In Trey Harris, the Nationals are acquiring a minor league outfielder that is likely nearing his first taste of big league action. Harris is 26 years old and is a corner outfielder with some pop in his bat.

Strikeouts have been an issue for Harris over the course of his minor league career, as has his health. Since being selected in the 2018 MLB Draft, Harris has made over 100 appearances in a season just one time. This season in the Braves’ Double-A Mississippi affiliate, Harris has two home runs, 16 RBI and a .238 batting average in 59 games.

And finally, Robinson Canó, who is being DFA’d for the third time this season. The 39-year old second baseman has struggled mightily this year, striking out 25 times in 33 games and posting an OPS+ of 7. Yes, you read that right.

Canó’s career is likely over at this point as he has failed to post anything close to respectable offensive numbers for the Mets, Padres and now Braves. Once one of the most feared sluggers in the game, his missed time due to multiple PED suspensions seems to be finally catching up with him.