3 Braves waiver claims to make up for lackluster MLB trade deadline
By Mark Powell
The Atlanta Braves made some minor moves at the MLB trade deadline, but could they add more via the waiver market?
The Braves addressed their bullpen, albeit subtly, at the MLB trade deadline by acquiring Brad Hand and Pierce Johnson, among others. It remains to be seen if that’ll be enough of an upgrade to make a World Series run in a crowded NL. Atlanta remains the favorite to reach the Fall Classic, but they’ll have plenty of competition to do so.
The Braves needed some infield help, as well. Nicky Lopez should help in that department. Lopez plays three infield positions and can platoon at shortstop, second base and third base when necessary. Atlanta flipped Taylor Hearn for his services.
With the trade deadline behind us, could Atlanta add to their major-league roster in a big way via the waiver market? They’re unlikely to receive a huge upgrade at any position, but the Braves still could use some starting pitching depth as well as help in left field. That’s where our waiver wire predictions start.
Braves waiver wire predictions: Corey Dickerson
If Atlanta wants to improve their outfield selection, Corey Dickerson is one of the best bats available right now. Dickerson was granted his release from the rival Washington Nationals, and can play a solid left field. By no means would he start in Atlanta, but Dickerson can serve as a defensive replacement and offers a stable bat with All-Star and postseason experience. His market is already fluid, and the Braves should act fast if they hope to bring him in.
MLB Trade Rumors suggested that Dickerson’s release wasn’t all that surprising once the deadline passed, as he was a pure rental along the lines of Jeimer Candelario, who was sent to Chicago.
"“As for Dickerson, 34, it’s hardly a surprise to see him lose his roster spot now. He was one of a handful of veterans that the Nats brought in over the winter on one-year deals to serve as veteran mentors and hopefully become trade chips. Jeimer Candelario showed the best-case scenario as he mashed and was able to be flipped to the Cubs for a couple of prospects. But Dickerson has hit just .252/.285/.357 for the year, producing a wRC+ of 71 that would be a career low for him. Now that the deadline has passed, the club will use his roster spot to give a chance to other players with a greater chance to help in future seasons.”"
If Brian Snitker and Atlanta’s coaching staff can unlock Dickerson’s potential, there’s a case to be made for signing him for the rest of the season.