MLB Rumors: Dark horse trade options for the Braves, Cardinals and Mets

MLB Rumors: Braves trade for familiar face

The Atlanta Braves biggest need right now is pitching, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. If we’re discussing a dark-horse addition, however, why not Joc Pederson?

The man with the pearls himself is in the midst of a down season by his standards. Pederson made the All-Star Game last year, but wasn’t dealt by the San Francisco Giants, who thought they had a chance at the postseason.

This year, though, that’s not the case. San Francisco is a good bet to sell off some rentals to refurbish their farm system. The Braves, meanwhile, could use some corner outfield help. Sam Hilliard, Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario are the primary contenders for those roster spots. Pederson, with his 2021 World Series experience and big bat, could snatch a starting spot right away.

As I wrote a month ago, a reunion with Pederson makes more sense than you might think on the surface:

"“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.”"

Atlanta ultimately passed on a Pederson reunion last deadline, instead acquiring some smaller pieces which did not pay off. Pederson, a player familiar with what it takes to make a World Series run in this market, is an upgrade the Braves need.