MLB Rumors: Yankees-Cardinals trade, Braves World Series return, more

MLB Rumors: Yankees-Cardinals trade, Braves World Series reunion, another Reds prospect

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Harrison Bader #22 and Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrate the win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 12, 2023 in Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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MLB Rumors, Johan Camargo, Atlanta Braves

Johan Camargo, Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Braves reunion with World Series champ Johan Camargo could work

Among the many things that we’ve seen the Atlanta Braves do well in their rise to becoming a perennial World Series contender — beyond Alex Anthopoulos completely fleecing the A’s for stars in trades — has been taking minor gambles on players and reaping rewards for it. This has been particularly true with some familiar faces, and now another one is on the market.

On Friday, Johan Camargo, a member of the 2021 Braves that went on to win the World Series, opted out of his contract with the Kansas City Royals after not being selected for the major-league roster. He’s now a free agent.

Camargo started the season on the IL but was activated last month to play in Triple-A Omaha and has slashed .298/.412/.544 with four home runs in 68 plate apperances since then.

Obviously, the Braves don’t necessarily need an infield utilityman direly by any stretch. They brought back another familiar presence, Charlie Culberson, who has still yet to play despite being on the 26-man roster, but also have their everyday lineup of Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson (from left to right) pretty much set.

Having said that, with the club potentially looking for rest days in the dogs days of summer for their core, having a player like Camargo could be valuable, especially with the way he was approaching his plate appearances in the minors. He’s been a far more effective hitter than Culberson and, of course, has familiar witht he Braves.

Furthermore, if the Braves choose to make larger moves at the trade deadline, that could mean dealing Vaughn Grissom, who is a key depth piece in Triple-A behind the likes of Arcia and Albies. Camargo would be able to fill that void, albeit with less youth and overall potential, should the club find themselves in a bind and without Grissom in the system any longer.

If there’s mutual interest, it’s a move that could make sense for Atlanta to pursue to continue upgrading the roster and protect themselves with depth ahead of the trade deadline.

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