The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and while Braves fans expect general manager Alex Anthopoulos to make a move, as the old saying goes, it takes two to tango.
The Braves have been linked to several possible moves with an interest in the outfield ahead of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline, but that had 92.9 The Game’s Abe Gordon wondering which prospects from the Braves organization may wind up on the block and are they pieces that other clubs are interested in.
“Realistically, what do you think Alex Anthopoulos has to work with, that we’re moving, that other teams want? You’ve made how many moves over the last three years? Sure up a bullpen, sure up an outfield, add a starter here and there, get Matt Olson…what do you think, prospects grow on trees,” he asked.
After pointing out that Michael Harris and Spencer Strider are off the table, Gordon argued that the Braves’ cupboard is bare in terms of top prospects after moving on from guys like Drew Waters, Shea Langeliers, Kolby Allard, Cristian Pache and several other players once considered to be up and coming in the organization.
The Mariners gave up a pair of top 100 prospects as part of their package to acquire Luis Castillo from the Reds. The Braves have just one of MLB.com's top 100 players in SS Vaughn Grissom (#100), but Gordon doesn’t think that’s enough to entice clubs around the league.
“You have none you can move. LHP Kyle Muller, RHP Bryce Elder, LHP Tucker Davidson, RHP Freddy Tarnok…Any of those guys do it for you? Are we screaming for any of those guys to be in the major leagues right now? If we’re not, then neither is another team,” Gordon said.
SS Braden Shewmake and OF Jesse Franklin are also considered among the top position player prospects in the organization.
So, what will the Braves do at the deadline if the price tag for guys like Ian Happ or Brandon Drury gets too high? Gordon says that Anthopoulos will use team’s desperation against them as the midnight hour at the deadline approaches and that he’d be surprised if the Braves don’t make any moves when it’s all said and done.
