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.
Braves waiver wire predictions: Charlie Culberson
I know what you’re thinking — yes, the Braves just let Charlie Culberson walk. However, there’s a case to be made that bringing him back into the fold would be beneficial for a young team without a ton of outfield depth.
We jokingly referred to Culberson as Atlanta’s Udonis Haslem earlier this season, but there’s something to be said about clubhouse camaraderie, especially in the postseason. Even if Culberson registers very little in the statistical department, his presence on a day-to-day basis cannot be measured.
As resident Braves fan John Buhler pointed out earlier this season, something about Culberson in Atlanta just feels right:
"“We always pull for the hometown hero, but everyone’s journey is different. Culberson is never going to be an All-Star, and he’s probably only going to play for the Braves a few more times this season. He’s not Stockbridge native Michael Harris II or Lilburn native Matt Olson, but damn, he is one of us! Culberson is Braves Country, even when he is not even playing for his hometown team.”"
On the field, it’s clear Atlanta needs more corner outfield depth, and Culberson fills that void. The Braves are an injury away from having a real problem on their hands. It’s best to avoid that altogether.
Braves waiver wire predictions: Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel is a former Brave whose fall from grace has been well documented. However, since he’s signed with the Twins, he’s been on a redemption arc of sorts. Keuchel was just named the international league pitcher of the month with the St. Paul Twins, and if he were to receive another big-league opportunity, could leave his mark.
As MLB Trade Rumors points out, Keuchel has been a different pitcher of late, albeit against minor-league competition:
"“Since inking that minors pact in June, Keuchel has a very impressive 1.13 ERA over six starts and 32 Triple-A innings. His 21.2% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate are nothing to write home about, but his 61.5% grounder rate indicates that the 35-year-old is still very capable of keeping the ball in the park. The Triple-A numbers are at least a hint that Keuchel might have something left in the tank.”"
Keuchel was recently selected by the Twins, meaning he’ll get his shot in Minnesota. That’s all fine and good, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s finish the season there.
Minnesota’s lack of rotation depth forced their hand once Keuchel opted out of his minor-league deal. He went unsigned for a few days, but has since been added to the Twins roster. For the Braves to have a chance at signing Keuchel, he would either need to flame out in Minnesota, or perhaps only be a part-time replacement in the eyes of Rocco Baldelli and Co.
It’s a longshot, but expect Alex Anthopoulos to pounce should the former Cy Young winner become available yet again.