MLB Rumors: Braves surprise trade, where Cubs stand, Ohtani in the cards?

MLB Rumors: Braves could trade Travis d’Arnaud in surprise move at right price

If there’s one thing we know about the Alex Anthopoulos Atlanta Braves, it’s that they are going to be active on the trade market. With a need to fortify the starting rotation, add some bullpen arms, and possibly solidify the outfield depth — specifically in left field or at the DH — there are needs the club could definitely look to address before the deadline.

One of the more interesting things to consider, though, is who the Braves could actually trade in order to acquire the help they could be searching for. With the trades for Matt Olson and Sean Murphy over the past two years, among others, they have used several of the top prospects in the organization to make moves already.

That could lead to a surprise trade for the Braves, namely dealing catcher/DH Travis d’Arnaud.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) reported that, while Atlanta is not actively shopping d’Arnaud, if the Braves received an offer for the veteran that would land them a “mid-rotation starting pitcher”, then the organization would have to consider it.

Outside of missing a brief period of time with a concussion early in the year, d’Arnaud has been a luxury for the Braves as a backup catcher and part-time designated hitter, which has offered manager Brian Snitker a ton of flexibility with the likes of Murphy, Marcell Ozuna, and Eddie Rosario.

Having said that, d’Arnaud is only signed through 2024 and the Braves could make a move to upgrade their World Series chances by dealing the veteran to a team that can offer the pitching help they need. There’s no guarantee that such a deal comes about but, if it does, d’Arnaud could indeed be on the move.