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MLB Rumors: Braves bold strategy, Cardinals-Red Sox blockbuster, Rangers-Astros arms race

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 27: Manager Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Truist Park on June 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 27: Manager Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Truist Park on June 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors, Atlanta Braves
ATLANTA, GA – JULY 1: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves smiles after winning the game against the Miami Marlins by 7-0 at Truist Park on July 1, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Braves could take bold strategy for trade deadline… doing nothing

Sorry, Rays — the Atlanta Braves are the best team in baseball at the All-Star break. Heading to Seattle with the best record in MLB and the only club with 60 wins already on the year, this group is primed to try and win its second World Series title in the last three years.

With their positioning, it makes perfect sense that the Braves would be one of the buyers at the forthcoming MLB trade deadline. Admittedly, this isn’t an organization flush with prospects at this point, but they do have some assets that could be moved to address some minor weaknesses, particularly in the bullpen, the back of the rotation, and perhaps adding another outfield depth bat.

But what if they did none of that and just watched the free-for-all transpire while the Braves stand pat?

Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) suggested as much after naming the Braves one of the top buyers at the trade deadline. First, he broke down targets like Adam Duvall and mentioned the pitching options, but then cast doubt on the club actually doing anything before Aug. 1.

"They could use a right-handed-hitting left fielder with plus defense, so perhaps a reunion with Adam Duvall makes sense, if they can strike a deal with the Red Sox. Also, don’t be surprised if they try to add some bullpen and/or starting pitching depth as well. That said, standing pat and not changing anything in that locker room could end up being the best play."

And in reality, that might be the case. Reinforcements are coming for the Braves with the return of Max Fried inching closer, Kyle Wright (hopefully) returning along with Jesse Chavez too. Perhaps Atlanta is confident that they can survive a bit longer and then have the depth to not need to make a trade.

Why wouldn’t they think that, frankly? Even without those guys, they are 60-29. The proof is in the pudding that not making a trade, though a bold strategy in modern baseball, could be the right move.

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