Braves could bring former top prospect back home if they choose

Could the Atlanta Braves bring back former top prospect Cristian Pache? The Athletics outfielder is out of options, and he won’t make Oakland’s Opening Day roster.

Cristian Paché was devastated when learning he was traded to Oakland. Pache was part of the package which helped the Braves land first baseman Matt Olson, but hasn’t caught on much in Oakland.

As was the case in Atlanta, Pache’s bat hasn’t adjusted well to the MLB level. He’s an elite defender and baserunner at his best. His only issue is that he can’t get on base.

Something has to chance, but could a return back home be in the cards? The Braves once believed in what Pache had to offer. Now that he’s out of options, he’ll be available on waivers for any team to claim, including Atlanta.

Could a Braves reunion with Cristian Pache be in the cards?

Pache had a respectable spring training, hitting .309 with a .362 ERA. He remained strikeout prone, however, as hike K rate didn’t decrease to the liking of Oakland’s brass.

If the Braves wanted to bring back Pache on the cheap, they would likely do so through waivers. It’s the right time of year for a team like Oakland to try and pass Pache by the other 29 MLB teams, as most of their rosters are set — including Atlanta’s.

This makes a reunion all the more unlikely.

Atlanta seems set in the outfield for now, with Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña and Marcell Ozuna taking the three spots. Ozuna is far from a guarantee to remain in his spot the entire season, but Eddie Rosario lingers behind him. Were Pache still in Atlanta this spring, he’d likely find himself in a familiar spot — Gwinnett.

Oakland can either trade Pache prior to Opening Day, or pass him through waivers. The clock is ticking, but a key piece of the Olson trade has already failed Oakland.