1 perfect Braves trade target from each of the biggest potential sellers

Braves trade target from the Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP David Bednar

Just looking at the standings, you’re probably wondering how we’re considering the Pirates sellers at the trade deadline considering they’re in second place in the NL Central. However, after jumping out to a hot start and leading the division early, Pittsburgh is 2-8 in their last 10 games and has been in a freefall in the standings.

Considering that’s much more in line with what people expected the Pirates to be this season, we can likely expect them to continue regressing to the mean. And while they might not be as aggressive of sellers as once thought, they could still look to get some young assets at the trade deadline for the right players.

Sticking with the Braves bullpen, that should bring 28-year-old righty David Bednar into focus for Alex Anthopoulos.

Bednar has quietly been one of the better relievers in baseball over the past few years, somewhat lost on the masses because of where he’s playing in Pittsburgh. But in 2021, he posted a 2.23 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, following that with a 2.61 ERA and 1.12 WHIP a year ago. He’s bettered both of those marks so far this year, however, with a 0.56 ERA and 0.75 WHIP over 16 appearanes this season.

At 28 years old and just about to hit arbitration, though, he might be a bit old for the Pirates to fully look toward the future with. Subsequently, if they want to get younger, the Braves could get an immediate upgrade to the bullpen right now in exchange for prospects and also get a player who Anthopoulos could surely work out an extension with to keep around for the long haul in Atlanta.