Braves Rumors: 3 Colorado Rockies players to target at the trade deadline

May 7, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Randal Grichuk (15) hits a home run in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Randal Grichuk (15) hits a home run in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Rockies left fielder Jurickson Profar. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Rockies left fielder Jurickson Profar. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves trade target: Jurickson Profar of the Colorado Rockies

Like Grichuk, Profar is in the final (and only) year of his Rockies contract, having signed a one-year, $7.75 million deal late in spring training. It took some time for the 30-year-old switch hitter to get his timing down after an odd spring training (World Baseball Classic, late signing with the Rockies, travel issues getting to San Diego to begin the season with the club) as Profar slashed just .207/.297/.324 in his first 29 games of the season. However, since then, Profar has been what the Rockies needed in a leadoff hitter, slashing .281/.347/.453 in 32 games since May 7.

Profar has shown this season that he can get on base and set the table for the rest of the Colorado offense, piecing together a career-high 37 game on-base streak between April 15 and May 30. That is the longest streak in MLB this season and the seventh-longest streak in Rockies history (and the longest streak by a Colorado player since DJ LeMahieu reached in 38 straight in 2016). During that stretch, he slashed .257/.341/.405.

If the Braves need more production out of their outfield, Profar is a guy who can provide that. His defense has been a bit shaky this season (minus-8 Outs Above Average), so there is a bit of a warning sign there. However, what he brings to the offense could be enough to overshadow that.