3 Braves players who could be traded before Opening Day

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 18: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on September 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 18: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on September 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta Braves
Travis d’Arnaud, Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Braves rumors: Trade Travis d’Arnaud for a steep price

Atlanta already traded away one catcher this offseason in William Contreras, could Travis d’Arnaud be next?

Sean Murphy is as close to an everyday catcher as one can find these days. There isn’t much need for Travis d’Arnaud, who at his best is a capable backstop himself. d’Arnaud is an instrumental clubhouse presence with the Braves, which is likely why Alex Anthopoulos has kept him around. However, if Atlanta can acquire some serious prospect capital for a veteran catcher when not too many are available, they should pull the trigger.

Dave O’Brien of The Athletic said that Anthopoulos is adamant that the team will not trade away d’Arnaud given his clubhouse leadership, but that’s simply GM speak for “I haven’t received a good enough offer yet.” Everyone is available, especially someone who isn’t an everyday player.

d’Arnaud slashed .268/.319/.472 with a career-high 18 home runs last season, and could see time as a DH in the Braves lineup this season. However, it feels unlikely the team moves neither Ozuna or d’Arnaud this offseason, meaning one of them will be on the chopping block due to limited playing time at the DH slot.

d’Arnaud has far more value, and it’s likely Anthopoulos has already weighed some offers.