MLB Rumors: Sleeper Braves trade, Cardinals biggest fear, Blue Jays target

MLB Rumors: Rockies OF Charlie Blackmon a sleeper Braves trade target?

It’s starting to look quite a bit more likely that the Atlanta Braves could, after reportedly briefly pivoting from this direction, pursue a lineup upgrade at the trade deadline. Ideally, they’d be looking for platoon help in left field to pair with Eddie Rosario, effectively removing Marcell Ozuna from that rotation in the outfield.

Red Sox outfielder and former Brave Adam Duvall has been a popular trade target in that regard, while the bevy of Cardinals outfielders to trade or even Rockies veterans Randall Grichuk and Jurickson Profar have also been considered in the mix. But perhaps there’s another player in Colorado would could make sense according to one MLB analyst: Charlie Blackmon.

Eno Sarris of The Athletic (subscription required) suggested Blackmon as an under-the-radar target that could have a big impact on the Braves, likening it to the acquisitions of Joc Pederson and Jorge Soler en route to Atlanta’s World Series run in 2021.

The 37-year-old Blackmon, who has been out with a hand injury since June 10, has been almost exclusively a DH option for the Rockies this season but has continued to be a productive hitter with a low strikeout rate.

If there’s still some innings in the tank for Blackmon to play in left field, he could indeed be a great option for the Braves to pursue. His age likely means he’s not part of the future rebuild for the Rockies, which could lower his price, while his veteran bat could be a great addition to supplement both Rosario and Ozuna in the lineup as an outfielder and DH.