Braves: 3 players who won’t be on the roster by August 1

Braves rumors: Sam Hilliard could be replaced with a trade deadline acquisition

So far in 2023, Sam Hilliard has provided the Braves with good depth in the outfield. But the team will likely be active at the trade deadline again this year and one of the places they usually upgrade at is outfield depth. Atlanta will more than likely be in the market for a power-hitting outfielder that could serve as a solid bench bat and a backup option for Ronald Acuna and Michael Harris in the outfield.

In 2023, Hilliard has been good, not great. He is slashing .246/.307/.449 on the year, which is his best slash line since his rookie year in 2019. Hilliard will likely regress down the stretch and he’s also got the potential to be traded to another team as well. More than likely, he will be moved before the August 1st trade deadline, with a player they acquire in a trade taking his place.

If the Braves are lucky, this kind of acquisition will give them more versatility than Hilliard, possibly being able to play the infield too. But the fact of the matter is they will absolutely be in the market to acquire more depth in the outfield and that kind of move will push Hilliard right off the active roster.