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Atlanta Braves Rumors: Shohei Ohtani link, outfield help coming, Max Fried update

By Mark Powell

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 22, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 22, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Mar 22, 2023; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Forrest Wall (88) hits a single during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2023; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Forrest Wall (88) hits a single during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Braves rumors: Atlanta gets some outfield help

After Eddie Rosario suffered an injury against the Chicago White Sox, it became clear that Atlanta could use some more outfield depth. Initially, I assumed that would be on the trade market. In an article published earlier this morning, I suggested the Braves should trade for Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who just returned from injury and is a two-time Gold Glove winner.

Tyler O’Neill is recovering from an injury of his own, but when healthy he’s a two-time gold glover and capable right-handed bat. If Rosario has a clear weakness, it’s his defense, so odds are this could even serve as an upgrade for an Atlanta squad without many clear issues. Left field, which O’Neill has plenty of experience playing, should serve well for him in the ATL if given the opportunity.

Rather than panic and make a trade, Anthopoulos opted to call up 27-year-old Forrest Wall. MLB Trade Rumors summed up his game quite well, while also noting he hasn’t played in the bigs for quite some time:

"“He’s now played in 290 Triple-A games across four different seasons, hitting a combined .259/.344/.373 in those. He doesn’t have much power, having never hit more than 11 home runs in a season, but he’s walking at a 13.5% clip this year. He’s also a proficient base stealer, getting over 35 in each of the past three seasons, including 52 last year and another 45 already this year. He’s capable of playing all three outfield slots.”"

Wall will get his chance with the Braves, and for his sake I hope he gets a few at-bats. Forrest is the hero Atlanta needs right now, evidently.

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