3 Atlanta Braves who won’t survive the trade deadline and why
By Mark Powell
The Atlanta Braves, losers of two in a row to the Dodgers, have received an up-close-and-personal look at exactly why they need to upgrade at the trade deadline.
After a Tuesday night defeat at the hands of Dodgers prospect Bobby Miller, Atlanta had a realization — when their lineup is off, so are they. Without Kyle Wright and Max Fried, both of whom are injured and therefore susceptible to such events occurring again, the Braves starting rotation cupboard is barren.
Give Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder credit, they have done their best. But eventually, that sort of weakness will catch up with you.
“Normally I get away with a few mistakes in a game but tonight I didn’t,” Strider said after a loss to the Dodgers. “I’ve got to give credit to them. They’re capable of making you pay.”
“Generally, I hold myself to the standard that if I get a guy with two strikes and he gets on base then I’ve messed up,” he added. “There were a couple of times I didn’t execute. Sometimes you get away with it, but they’re talented.”
The Braves only gave Strider one run of support. He would’ve had to be perfect, which is further evidence that this team isn’t a complete product. Alex Anthopoulos knows he has to act, but who is on the outs?
Braves who could be traded: Braden Shewmake
Atlanta has a logjam at shortstop, that much is clear. While it seems that Orlando Arcia has won out for now, the Braves have two young players behind him in Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake. Grissom is a far better offensive talent, but struggles in the field of play. Shewmake is the better defender, but doesn’t have the same ceiling as Grissom, especially with his bat.
MLB Pipeline described Shewmake as one of the best defensive shortstops in the minor leagues:
"“Shewmake’s defense has improved to the point at which the metrics point to him being one of the better defensive shortstops in the Minor Leagues. He’s not flashy, but he has great hands, plus instincts and an above-average arm, leading other teams to ask about him because of his glovework. How much he hits will determine whether he can reach his ceiling as an everyday player at the premium position.”"
Shewmake’s most recent major-league stint was up to par. He provided more defensive versatility than Grissom, which is what Atlanta needed at the time. He consistently makes contact, but not at a high exit velocity or barrel rate. Some teams could find that useful, nonetheless.