The Atlanta Braves are currently in third place in the National League East, five games back from the New York Mets. They have yet to be above .500 at any point this season.
92.9 The Game reporter Joe Patrick joined The Midday Show to answer this question: With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, what names should the Braves be keeping their eye on?
"To me, it has to be an impact bat," Patrick told Andy and Randy. "It has to be a left fielder. You have to essentially replace Marcell Ozuna."
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Ozuna was arrested in May on domestic violence charges and has not played since, and is likely facing a lengthy suspension from MLB.
"You have to consider that fact that he's not going to be a part of this team this season, and like 99.9 percent sure for the rest of his tenure--or the rest of his contract (with this Braves)."
"I think you have to go out there and add an impact bat, and that's really the trade I'm talking about in terms of adding to this team. It's so clear that they're missing that bat in this lineup."
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"Hopefully they can get a guy who has team control so that they can go out there and get somebody who they can count on as part of this organization, not just for this year but also for next year and, you know, potentially years down the line."
So what names does Patrick have in mind for the Braves?
"Joey Gallo is a name that I like a lot. I know Dave O'Brien (of The Athletic) has thrown out the name Ketel Marte out there in Arizona. Those are the kinds of bats we're talking about--guys that can hit for power, get on base and really make an impact in this lineup."