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

Braves Rumors: Why Atlanta won’t trade for Shohei Ohtani

Leave it to Jim Bowden of The Athletic to mention the Braves offhandedly as a Shohei Ohtani destination. It should be noted that it would be very un-Anthopoulos of this front office to chase after the top rental on the market, especially when it involves parting with the best players in the system and some MLB-level talent. Add in that it’s no guarantee Ohtani even re-signs with Atlanta, and it’s a virtual lock that the Braves won’t be in on the Ohtani sweepstakes.

Here’s what Bowden had to say about things:

"“The Braves are the best team in baseball and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos is always looking to add a top-of-the-rotation starter. However, they don’t have enough left in their farm system to trade for Ohtani, and they’re not going to break up their major-league team, which is among the favorites to win the World Series. Expect them to do their due diligence but not be in the mix if Ohtani is traded.”"

What due diligence could Atlanta possible do here? The price tag will be far beyond what they are willing to pay. Yet, here we are.

IF the Braves were to acquire Ohtani, it would happen in free agency for many reasons. Atlanta has done well in keeping its homegrown stars from reaching the market on affordable, team-friendly contracts. That could, in theory, allow them to chase a star like Ohtani in free agency without feeling the financial heat, so to speak.

Trading resources for Ohtani defeats that purpose entirely.