Braves Rumors: Marcell Ozuna drama, Freddie Freeman nostalgia, a trade holdup

Would the Braves dare trade for Joc Pederson again?

Joc Pederson is currently day-to-day with a hand injury, as the San Francisco Giants got good news on their slugging outfielder. The Giants, though, could emerge as likely sellers if their season doesn’t turn into a huge success. There are too many potential rental trade options on this roster to not at least explore the market. San Francisco’s farm system could use a reboot.

Atlanta could use a corner outfield upgrade. As capable as Eddie Rosario, Sam Hilliard and even Ozuna have proven to be at times, they are not Joc Pederson, who made the NL All-Star team last season. If Pederson can stay healthy, he can provide the sort of lineup jolt Alex Anthopoulos was hoping Ozuna would provide.

Given Pederson’s shaky start to the 2023 season, his market isn’t too hot right now. Come the deadline, that may very well change, especially if the Giants make it clear they are selling. Last month, I took a look at Pederson as a Braves trade target:

"“Pederson was an NL All-Star last season, slashing .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs. This year, he hasn’t been the same, as his batting average has dropped about fifty points thus far. That could all turn around by the trade deadline, but should his numbers continue to flop, Pederson would be an easy add for Anthopoulos. Assuming Marcell Ozuna doesn’t suddenly turn things around for good, the Braves will need that corner outfield upgrade.”"

So with that in mind, what’s standing in the way of an Atlanta reunion?

First, the Braves have greater needs right now than corner outfield. Starting pitcher, the bullpen and even arguably a shortstop are higher priority moves. Even when Max Fried and Kyle Wright do come back, the Braves are lacking depth in their pitching staff.

Second, there’s no guarantee the Giants will sell. At one game below .500, this is the same team that opted not to deal assets at the deadline last season. While that ended poorly for them, there’s no telling what Farhan Zaidi will do.

As great as a postseason run with Pederson would be, there’s a reason I listed him as a dark horse trade option, rather than a likely one.