The MLB “2nd half” is getting underway, and it looks like the Atlanta Braves will be fighting to save face, rather than fighting for a playoff spot. Some that is looming large for the Braves, and the rest of the league, is the July 31 trade deadline, where the Braves are expected to be sellers? But what should they move? Moving Ronald Acuña Jr just simply is not happening.
The Braves are just two years removed from a record setting 2023 season, so getting rid of the great contracts that they have Austin Riley and Matt Olson on just wouldn’t make sense. Sean Murphy is the hottest bat in the lineup right now, and no playoff team will be looking to add a catcher (assuming no major injuries). Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies are interesting, but both are having down seasons, although both are under team friendly contracts as well. It is important to note, however, that Michael Harris II is a Gold Glove caliber center fielder with a career .270 batting average, and Ozzie Albies is a career .265 hitter that is under the team-friendliest contract of them all. The only names that I can see the Braves moving are Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and/or Pierce Johnson. Braves manager Brian Snitker said earlier in the season that this was a good team playing badly, and unfortunately, that is just what we are going to have to accept, along with the plethora of injuries to the pitching staff. Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael discuss the trade deadline, and what to look forward to for the rest of the season.