Getting into play Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves are 51-39, 7.5 video games behind the Philadelphia Phillies within the Nationwide League East. Regardless of the harm losses of reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. and ace starter Spencer Strider (who completed fourth in final 12 months’s Cy Younger voting), although, the Braves are firmly atop the NL wild-card standings.
Comeback Participant of the 12 months candidate Chris Sale (12-3, 2.74 ERA) and fellow starter Reynaldo Lopez (7-2, 1.71 ERA) have spearheaded the group’s first-half success from the mound whereas Marcell Ozuna has stepped up within the batter’s field, boasting a .932 OPS with 23 residence runs.
Nonetheless, the offense has taken a big step again from main the NL in 2023 to rating twelfth general in 2024. First baseman Matt Olsen, who slugged .604 final season, is all the way down to .424.
For Atlanta to shut the hole with the Phillies and make a deeper playoff run after two straight NLDS exits, it should bolster the roster earlier than the MLB commerce deadline on July 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Outfield and bullpen assist are the membership’s greatest wants.
With Michael Harris II on the 10-day IL and Acuna Jr. out for the season, the outfield is skinny. Whereas Jarred Kelenic has been quietly efficient since his acquisition from the Seattle Mariners, Adam Duvall (.570 OPS in 70 video games) and up to date acquisition Eddie Rosario aren’t long-term options.
Listed below are six gamers the Braves ought to critically contemplate concentrating on within the commerce market:
Outfielder Kevin Pillar | Los Angeles Angels
One intriguing possibility is Pillar, launched earlier this season by the Chicago White Sox and now hitting .295/.350/.500 for the Los Angeles Angels (43 video games performed). Pillar is a high-character participant who may nonetheless play spectacular protection in a number of outfield positions.
