Atlanta Braves Rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid
By Mark Powell
The Atlanta Braves have a lot of work to do at the MLB Trade Deadline, which is just under two months away. There are some trades they should make, and other they should avoid like the plague.
The Braves are among the best teams in the National League for a reason, but if they are to represent the NL in the World Series, they need to make the right moves come late July. Alex Anthopoulos is seemingly a master at that.
Pitching is the most glaring need for the Braves this summer. Max Fried and Kyle Wright are out long-term, and even if one or both is back come July 31, they cannot count on both coming back at full strength. Setbacks can happen. It’s only human nature.
The lineup still possesses a few obvious gaps. Orlando Arcia has filled in nicely at shortstop, so Anthopoulos doesn’t have to necessarily make a trade at such an in-demand position. Outfield, however, is a need. Eddie Rosario/Sam Hilliard/Kevin Pillar can only fill in for so long. A World Series team should not have such an obvious roster hole.
Braves trade to make: Deal for Alex Cobb
FanSided’s Cody Williams laid out the case for an Alex Cobb trade just a few days ago. He’s one of the best assets the San Francisco Giants have, and odds are they will be sellers come the trade deadline given the division they reside in.
"“Cobb has legitimately pitched like a Cy Young candidate this season, as surprising as that may sound. Through 10 starts with San Francisco, he’s posted a 4-1 record with a 2.17 ERA and 1.31 WHIP on the season. He’s also posted a Quality Start in half of his outings this year, showing immense prowess from the 35-year-old veteran. What makes Cobb intriguing as a trade target, though, is that his contract is almost up with just a $10 million club option remaining for next season.”"
It should be noted that those numbers need updating. At the time of this writing, Cobb has a 3.05 ERA after his worst start of the season against the Angels. Yes, it’s just one bad start, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you’re Atlanta.
Assuming he’s right, Cobb could slide right in to the middle of the Braves rotation once Fried and/or Wright come back. He’s exactly what Atlanta needs, and likely at an affordable cost.