Braves latest trade likely forecasts rest of team’s offseason plans

The Braves landed OF Eli White from the Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, which is a clear indication of at least one of the team’s plans.

It’s certainly been an interesting offseason for the Atlanta Braves. The team saw key departures from hometown favorite Dansby Swanson and veteran closer Kenley Jansen in free agency but also pulled off one of the biggest moves of the offseason with the Sean Murphy trade and, most recently, agreeing to an extension with the 28-year-old catcher.

One of the big questions thereafter, however, has been what the team would do next after the Murphy contract. Now, they’ve made one move, but it’s certainly not one that heavily moves the needle or that anyone could’ve seen coming.

Late on Wednesday night, the Braves traded with the Texas Rangers for outfielder Eli White in exchange for cash considerations, per the team’s announcement.

The 28-year-old White has spent three seasons in the bigs with Texas, playing sporadically over that time. He’s struggled quite a bit to find his rhythm at the plate as he’s slashed .185/.260/.296 over 130 career games, but does have 17 career stolen bases in 22 attempts. He also has a 0.9 dWAR for his career as well.

Braves trade for Eli White likely means the end of outfield pursuits

To be as frank as possible, Eli White isn’t going to move the needle all that much for the Braves himself. However, this latest trade combined with other offseason moves thus far does indicate the team’s plans for one of the big areas they were looking at moving into 2023.

One of the things many people were looking at for Atlanta next season was a change in the outfield to get Marcell Ozuna off the field and to try and solidify left field. Rather than go after a bigger name, though, the White trade all but confirms that the team is likely going to platoon that position.

With White, the Braves have now added him, Sam Hilliard and Jordan Luplow this offseason, all of whom can play left field. Precisely none of those players have proven they can be an everyday player at the position for Atlanta, but together, they could form a strong group to rotate in and out of the lineup throughout the 2023 season in various roles.

Now, there are plans that we still don’t know about. Are the Braves still going to try and move on from Ozuna? Is a Max Fried extension coming down the line? Could they sign a backup shortstop?

We don’t know the answers to these questions, but the hole in left field has been filled and the Eli White trade all but confirms that they aren’t hunting for big game to answer their need.