The Atlanta Braves acquired two veteran outfielders ahead of Friday's trade deadline, but parted ways with a fan-favorite in the process.
In the first of two deals that were announced within 10 minutes of each other, the Braves acquired outfielder Eddie Rosario and cash considerations from the soon-to-be Cleveland Guardians. A former star with the Minnesota Twins, Rosario has hit .254 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs in 283 at-bats this season.
They did, however, trade former World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval to Cleveland in return. Sandoval -- who had a scalding-hot start to 2021 -- has just one hit in his last 27 at-bats. Seemingly, panda hugs after home runs are now a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, the Braves re-acquired Adam Duvall from the division-rival Miami Marlins for catcher Alex Jackson. Duvall isn't a big on-base guy, but he does have 22 home runs and 68 RBIs this season. Duvall played for the Braves in 2019 and 2020, homering 26 times and driving in 52 runs in 310 at-bats.
These two pickups are in addition to Joc Pederson, who has two home runs and nine RBIs in 51 at-bats since being traded to Atlanta earlier this month.
Despite losing National League MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season with a torn right ACL earlier this month, the Braves are just four games back of the New York Mets in the National League East. General manager Alex Anthopoulos seemingly doesn't plan to relinquish the National League East title -- which the Braves have won three years in a row -- without a fight.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram