3 Braves players who aren't on the chopping block, but should be

3 Braves players who aren’t on the chopping block, but should be

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 06: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves congratulates Kevin Pillar #17 for hitting a home run during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Truist Park on April 06, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /

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Sep 30, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Kyle Farmer (52) tries to turn a double play over Atlanta Braves pinch runner Charlie Culberson (8) during the twelfth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Braves have one of the best teams in the league, but their roster is far from completed. To make acquisitions, these three players may have to go.

The Atlanta Braves roster is loaded from top to bottom with All-Star talent. Even the most talented team will make trade deadline moves and Alex Anthopoulos is no stranger to being active at the deadline. That won’t change this season either.

With the Braves likely to acquire both impact bats as well as rental arms, they will need to move pieces of their current roster to make room. While they could option a few guys and even DFA some of their less talented players, the Braves could also make trades with their active roster to clear up roster space. These are often guys that are overlooked as potential trade pieces and they can only become available if the right moves are made before.

A Charlie Culberson move hasn’t been discussed, but it should

Charlie Culberson has no spot on Atlanta’s roster in 2023. He simply doesn’t have the talent or provide the production that is needed of a World Series caliber player. The Braves will absolutely be looking to upgrade at infield depth at the trade deadline and Culberson will be the first to go. The veteran has bounced from team to team over his lengthy MLB career.

But his prime years are behind us and the Braves will likely upgrade over him in the coming weeks. Culberson could net a lower end prospect in a trade or become packaged in a deal with another player or two in order to increase the value of that trade. Culberson spent three seasons in Atlanta from 2018 to 2020, but his Braves career appears to be mostly in the rearview as he has yet to take a swing in Atlanta this season.

When the Braves look to acquire an infielder, Culberson will be the first to go. He hasn’t been discussed in any trades, but the Braves need to start pitching the idea of trading him before they are forced to DFA him, losing him for nothing, when they find his replacement.

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