Headlines

  • Hayden Wesneski To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Dodgers Release Chris Taylor
  • Jose Alvarado Issued 80-Game PED Suspension
  • Orioles Fire Manager Brandon Hyde
  • Ben Joyce Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
  • Dodgers Promote Dalton Rushing, Designate Austin Barnes For Assignment
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Where Can The Braves Go For Outfield Help?

By Anthony Franco | May 28, 2024 at 4:28pm CDT

In a season with a number of high-profile injuries, there has been no bigger loss than Ronald Acuña Jr. The defending NL MVP tore the ACL in his left knee over the weekend. It's the second time in the last four years that an ACL tear (in separate knees) has ended his season a few months early.

There's obviously no way of replacing Acuña with anyone close to the same caliber of player. The Braves will likely need to add to the corner outfield in some form over the next two months, though. Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweeted yesterday that the Acuña injury will push each of Adam Duvall and Jarred Kelenic into an everyday role. That's not an ideal position for a team trying to hang with the Phillies at the top of the NL East.

Atlanta bought low on Kelenic over the winter. The former top prospect still hasn't shown any sign of a legitimate breakout. He has a roughly average .258/.305/.383 batting line over 128 plate appearances. Kelenic's 31.3% strikeout rate is still much too high, and he's walking less often (6.3% of the time) than he did during his final season in Seattle. He can hit the ball hard, but he's still swinging and missing far too frequently. The Braves have also completely shielded him from left-handed pitching. That'll no longer be the case if he's playing everyday, and he's a .188/.252/.307 hitter in 301 career plate appearances against southpaws.

Duvall returned to Atlanta on a $3MM free agent deal midway through Spring Training. His profile is well-established at this point. He hits for power and plays solid defense in the corner outfield. That'll come with low on-base marks and underwhelming strikeout and walk numbers. Duvall has dramatically cut his swing-and-miss in 99 plate appearances this year, but that's largely attributable to the Braves leveraging him heavily against left-handed pitching as Kelenic's platoon partner. Duvall has 14 strikeouts and one walk in 39 plate appearances against righties. At age 35, it seems fair to presume he hasn't suddenly found a new level of plate discipline.

Let's run through a few of the likelier possible trade targets for president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta front office.

Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office Subscription

BENEFITS
  • Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
  • Join exclusive weekly live chats with Anthony.
  • Remove ads and support our writers.
  • Access GM-caliber tools like our MLB Contract Tracker
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Atlanta Braves Front Office Originals Membership Adam Duvall Jarred Kelenic

White Sox Place Mike Clevinger On IL Due To Elbow Inflammation
Main
Giants Designate Ryan McKenna, Drew Pomeranz For Assignment
View Comments (72)
Post a Comment

72 Comments

  1. I Believe We Can Win

    12 months ago

    Diamondbacks – Jake McCarthy or Alek Thomas

    Orioles – Kyle Stowers or Austin Hays

    Brewers – Blake Perkins or Joey Wiemer

    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      12 months ago

      Stowers or hays would be good but you never know when trading for American League talent in the national league

      Reply
  2. hiflew

    12 months ago

    Rockies have quite a few outfielders in the majors and high minors. Nobody that will be an All Star like Acuna, but several that could serve as competent starters. Sean Bouchard comes to mind.

    1
    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      12 months ago

      Yeah Bouchard can hit. A bit too old to be in the rebuild plan, but a solid player. Reminds me a lot of another Rockies outfielder who could hit but wasn’t in a rebuild plan: Mike Tauchman.

      Reply
  3. Yankee Clipper

    12 months ago

    Yankees have one very slightly used Trent Grisham for sale.

    1
    Reply
    • Mikenmn

      12 months ago

      One wonders why he doesn’t get used a little bit more….perhaps they are saving him for a late season DFA or a non-tender and want him to rested,

      2
      Reply
  4. Very Barry

    12 months ago

    Andrew Benintendi is yours ….. Just send over a bag of balls.

    Reply
    • Mikenmn

      12 months ago

      He’s tearing it up this year…

      Reply
      • vtadave

        12 months ago

        So worth more than a bag of balls?

        Reply
  5. TheMan 3

    12 months ago

    Michael A Taylor isn’t worth anything but make an offer anyway

    Reply
  6. Buff Barnacles

    12 months ago

    Yasiel Puig is mutilating the ball down in Meh Hee Ko Give him a call!

    Reply
  7. muskie73

    12 months ago

    Did the Braves buy low on Jarred Kelenic or did the Mariners sell high? Or could the trade be both?

    Seattle has replaced Kelenic with lefthand-hitting outfielders Dominic Canzone, who posted a wRC+ of 114 and an fWAR of 0.4 in 24 games, and Luke Raley, who has posted a wRC+ of 111 and an fWAR of 0.5 in 43 games.

    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      12 months ago

      Kelenic trade W for mariners

      Reply
  8. bravesfan

    12 months ago

    So I’m gonna go on a limb and say Rooker and Miller from the A’s, Braves give up a package that is very underwhelming to get it simply because thats how the A’s do business with the Braves lol. In reality, Pham is realistic. That said it’s likely AA sees this list and tears it up and finds 2 under the radar players that come and rip the ball off the cover, cause thats what he does

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      12 months ago

      At a certain point the league isn’t gonna let the Braves do business with the A’s anymore …

      7
      Reply
  9. Curly Was The Smart Stooge

    12 months ago

    Go to your own system, Forrest Wall. In 2022 & 2023 he stole over 100 bases in the minors & he’s a pretty good contact hitter. Why do the Braves keep passing this guy up?
    So far all the below suggestions are literally jokes. Give this guy a chance.

    4
    Reply
    • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

      12 months ago

      If the Braves aren’t going to play this guy then trade him to Arizona or LA, they obviously need a wall…

      3
      Reply
  10. mahalkita

    12 months ago

    I’d like to see them get Taylor Nimmo Marte and Bader for some prospects. Take ’em all.

    Reply
    • Sayhay88

      12 months ago

      Nimmo is a bridge too far. I won’t stand for it. But if you give us something nice, you can have the rest.

      Reply
      • NashvilleJeff

        12 months ago

        Don’t worry on Nimmo or Marte. AA’s too savvy to consider taking those awful contracts, Won’t take players worse than their own internal options like Bader or Taylor either.

        Reply
  11. drewnats33

    12 months ago

    The Nats will have old friend Eddie Rosario and Jesse Winker on the block.

    We’d pay the Braves to take Joey Gallo.

    Reply
  12. HalosHeavenJJ

    12 months ago

    I really like Taylor Ward as a person and a player but he should be moved.

    1
    Reply
    • RunDMC

      12 months ago

      AA hooks up with Minasian again and gets Tyler Anderson’s contract off the books by trading Ward for a decent prospect no higher than 8 in the ATL system.

      1
      Reply
      • StunnaFC

        12 months ago

        Makes no sense, tyler anderson isn’t a “get off the books” deal he would net a positive return pitching to a sub3 era

        Reply
        • RunDMC

          12 months ago

          You’re right – I was thinking he had 2 more years left on his deal, and not just 1 (13M). Pretty reasonable deal despite 2023.

          Reply
  13. sad tormented neglected mariners fan

    12 months ago

    Can I offer you a now out-of-position, wheels falling off Mitch haniger?

    I’m sure our friends in Colorado would let you use Blackmon or Bryant

    1
    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      12 months ago

      Charlie Blackmon would be so cool in Atlanta (where he went to school and lives in the off-season) trying to get that world series title in his final year. And his bat may be finally waking up.

      2
      Reply
      • Blue Baron

        12 months ago

        Or he’s done.

        Reply
      • hiflew

        12 months ago

        It makes sense and Chuck would probably be fine with the move back home, but I really want to see him as ONLY a Rockie. I had a classmate get drafted by the Rockies in the 1st round in 2008 and Chuck was their 2nd rounder the same year. I have been following him closely since then. At this point, the Rockies will not get enough back to justify losing a ticket seller.

        But if they want Bryant, I will fly out and help pack his bags.

        Reply
        • NashvilleJeff

          12 months ago

          Yeah on Bryant hiflew. He looks about as untradeable as Strasburg. Only difference is Bryant’s still “active” while Stras is retired.

          Reply
        • NashvilleJeff

          12 months ago

          Lol. As soon as I dis Bryant he homers.

          Reply
        • hiflew

          12 months ago

          Oh I am fully aware of how difficult it would be to trade his contract. It is not impossible because there are other bad deals out there that could be swapped for, but it’s highly unlikely for sure. Not as untradeable as Strasburg for sure since Bryant can actually still be on the field.

          I would think if the Rockies were offered a Jose Abreu/Kris Bryant swap, with maybe another minor piece or two thrown in, it would have to be considered seriously by both sides. Bryant has more money and years remaining, but he is also the better, and more importantly younger, player right now.

          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          12 months ago

          Blackmon is about to be 38 and he’s clearly done.

          It would be smart for the Rockies to deal him for whatever they can get – even a mid-level prospect, and the nicest thing they could do for him is to offer him the chance to go out on a postseason team.

          If he prefers to stay and retire as a Rockie, he has the right to choose that.

          As a fan, I would want him to choose the outcome rather than deciding I want him to retire as a Rockie for my own personal reasons.

          1
          Reply
  14. Rsox

    12 months ago

    J.P. Martinez, Forrest Wall and Eli White are all doing decent at AAA. Yuli Gurriel isn’t doing bad either which if brought up could give Ozuna some reps in the OF

    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      12 months ago

      Ozuna has bulked up too much to be a regular OF but I feel like he doesn’t need to be the DH every day, he can’t be castellanos or Schwarber type of bad right?

      Reply
      • NashvilleJeff

        12 months ago

        Ozuna’s arm is unplayable. Still has decent range for a guy his size though

        Reply
  15. bhambrave

    12 months ago

    AA will probably trade for a washed up reliever who played OF in high school, put him in right field, and he’ll be the NLCS MVP.

    2
    Reply
    • bestone

      12 months ago

      How about a couple of fielders, an Atkins, and a training facility in Dunedin for AA?

      Reply
  16. Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

    12 months ago

    Dylan Carlson needs a change of scenery. Had a very good rookie campaign and then the wheels seemingly fell off. Maybe James Outman from LA. Recently demoted so could be available. Personally, the Rosario comment makes the most sense.

    Reply
    • Hubert

      12 months ago

      Carlson a solid choice. Put the guy in a new environment, let him exhale and play every day with good people around him.. His talent might re-surface.

      Reply
      • NashvilleJeff

        12 months ago

        Braves are already trying that experiment w/Kelenic. Thinking they’d rather deal for more established production/health from any trade target.

        1
        Reply
  17. gmen_fever

    12 months ago

    I was thinking Conforto as an option. He is on the last year of his deal and the Giants need to have room for Ramos/Matos. However with Wade getting hurt they are going to be really light on left handed bats.

    Reply
  18. 97braves

    12 months ago

    Let’s get Soler back from the Giants.

    1
    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      12 months ago

      And Rosario and Peterson and Swanson and Teheran to top it off

      Reply
  19. For Love of the Game

    12 months ago

    Dream on, Dog.

    3
    Reply
    • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

      12 months ago

      Brilliant, For Love of the Game, did you have assistance with that post or did it all come from you?

      1
      Reply
      • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

        12 months ago

        I see you gave yourself a thumbs up For Love of the Game, We’re all so proud of you being on the score board, keep on posting intellect.

        Reply
  20. For Love of the Game

    12 months ago

    Offer the Tigers a strong prospect or two for Matt Vierling. Solid defender and hitter. Plays some 3B.

    1
    Reply
    • NashvilleJeff

      12 months ago

      One of the most reasonable ideas offered up yet. Most of the others are “We’ve got some garbage we don’t want that we’ll deal you for something good from your mil system.” The Braves also have salary to consider because of their luxury tax situation. Vierling seems to fit there as well as possible production.

      Reply
    • Liberalsteve

      12 months ago

      umm no. Tigers arent selling

      Reply
  21. Whyme

    12 months ago

    They can have Springer LOL

    1
    Reply
    • bestone

      12 months ago

      Jerry passed away a short time ago. Legendary.
      How about a Springer, Atkins and some management for AA?

      1
      Reply
      • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

        12 months ago

        If AA traded himself back to Toronto then he would resign the aging free agents and trade his prospects for more aging pending free agents and dance and hope like it’s 2015 Bautista bat flip and trade himself back to Atlanta

        Reply
  22. jeffreybecker77

    12 months ago

    trade for another starting pibtcher and stop trying to outscore everyone with bats alone. i agree with Rsox, plenty to work with already, play the matchups. better yet, come up with a sensible lineup. they have the perfect leadoff hitter in the lineup already, but refuse to use him that way

    Reply
  23. Logistics Guy

    12 months ago

    Call both Chicago Team Ian Happ or Luis Roberts or Eloy Jimenez

    Or Dream big Cody Bellinger

    Reply
  24. TradeAcuna

    12 months ago

    I say trade and just let the season go. Trade Fried, Morton, Albies, and Iggy.

    Reply
    • NashvilleJeff

      12 months ago

      Give up on the season after 52 games @10 games over .500???? Who the heck does that? Most of the teams in baseball would give anything to be in the Braves shoes. Two options for you: 1) Seek help from a qualified mental health expert or 2) Consider finding something else to occupy your spare time and thoughts w/besides baseball. Tiddlywinks or marbles see like good fits. If you have to do something baseball related, how about trading baseball cards w/preschoolers. Hoping you know I’m just kidding you—–sort of. I think you’re probably a pretty good guy, but I disagree w/99% of the Braves takes you post. Leaving room w/that 1% because I suspect there’s something you’ve said in the past that I don’t think is totally off base.

      Reply
      • NashvilleJeff

        12 months ago

        “seem like good fits.”

        Reply
        • TradeAcuna

          12 months ago

          If you look at this team and think they will win anything beyond 1 game in the wild-card round or DS, then good for you. I’m being realistic. This team is being carried by 3 guys (Ozuna, Sale, Lopez).

          Reply
        • NashvilleJeff

          12 months ago

          You don’t break up a team because of ridiculous playoff projections like yours. You try to figure out ways to tweak an already strong roster to get them over the hump, “Carried by 3 guys”?????? You know who Max Fried is? Know who any of the guys who come in from the pen and shut down teams are? You know the Braves leads the ML w/9 shutouts (and not just because of Sale and Lopez)? The regular lineup hasn’t played together since the 1st day of the season and they’re 10 games over .500. At their current pace, they’ll finish 30 games over .500 You really have no heart. Adversity terrifies you, doesn’t it. Giving up on the season after 52 games. Ridiculous to claim you know anything about realism. Even more laughable to keep seeing you post “Acuna sucks” and “his career is over.” The Braves playoff odds are 3rd best in the NL. Any team can win once they get in the crap game.

          Reply
        • TradeAcuna

          12 months ago

          Fried has been inconsistent all season. He has done better recently. This is his contract year and he better keep pitching well for the mooney. Braves should move on. He is injury-prone.

          The bullpen is great, but this part of any team is volatile, hence why I’m not mentioning it. Yes, the team is being carried by 3 guys from the standpoint of consistency. I’m not concerned too much about the offense though. Olson and Riley will pick it up at some point. However, I have zero confidence in the rotation.

          Long term, the Braves will be better off selling for a chance in 2025. 2024 season is over regardless if they make the playoffs. This is a win or go home crying team. They are going towards the latter side and should think ahead.

          Reply
        • NashvilleJeff

          12 months ago

          You couldn’t be more wrong, but you’re entitled to an opinion n0 matter how ludicrous. “Zero confidence in the rotation” leading the ML w/9 shoutouts. Yikes. There’s not a GM in baseball who’d rebuild this team. After they make the playoffs, I have no doubt that you’ll be hoping they’re one of the 29 teams that don’t win the WS. You’ll claim that they’re just lucky if they do—-like you did in your “No MadBum no NLCS” days. Try to enjoy some of this season Trade. This team’s better than you think they are.

          Reply
  25. EM41

    12 months ago

    AA will surprise us with who he will acquire. So, I don’t even try to guess

    Reply
    • NashvilleJeff

      12 months ago

      So it’s gonna be Kyle Tucker then. Sweet. Disclaimer: Yeah, it’s a joke.

      Reply
  26. wifflemeister

    12 months ago

    I guarantee you that Nick Markakis could still step in and contribute

    Reply
  27. $JCMoney$

    12 months ago

    Jazz Chisholm Jr and Luzardo or Randy Arozarena and Zack Littelll

    1
    Reply
  28. chiefnocahoma1

    12 months ago

    Tigers are an up and coming club building around Greene. This simply won’t happen.

    Reply
    • GarryHarris

      12 months ago

      Riley Greene isn’t a Scott Harris ‘Control the Strikezone…’ player so he is expendable.

      Reply
  29. Seaver rules

    12 months ago

    Conforto is a good fit but Bader is an excellent fit. Not much would get past him and Harris and the Mets are known for in division trades. It’s not like the Braves and Mets will be in a battle for the division.

    Reply
  30. miggywrld

    12 months ago

    2022 Braves legend Travis Demeritte is available.

    Reply
  31. kbr

    12 months ago

    They can always call on old faithful Charlie Culberson. I am sure he’s waiting by the phone with glove in hand.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Hayden Wesneski To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Dodgers Release Chris Taylor

    Jose Alvarado Issued 80-Game PED Suspension

    Orioles Fire Manager Brandon Hyde

    Ben Joyce Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

    Dodgers Promote Dalton Rushing, Designate Austin Barnes For Assignment

    Major League Baseball Rules That Permanent Ineligibility Ends At Death

    Rangers Place Corey Seager On Injured List

    Cubs Promote Moises Ballesteros

    Evan Longoria To Sign One-Day Contract, Retire As Member Of Rays

    Diamondbacks To Promote Jordan Lawlar

    Rockies Fire Bud Black

    Cubs Promote Cade Horton

    Rafael Devers Unwilling To Play First Base

    Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton

    Mariners Claim Leody Taveras

    Rangers Hire Bret Boone As Hitting Coach

    A.J. Minter To Undergo Season-Ending Lat Surgery

    Blue Jays Sign Spencer Turnbull

    Blue Jays Sign José Ureña

    Recent

    Braves Expected To Activate Spencer Strider On Tuesday

    Mets Release Billy McKinney

    Royals Purchase John Gant’s Contract

    Jared Jones To Meet With Dr. Keith Meister Regarding UCL Sprain

    Kolten Wong Announces Retirement

    Hayden Wesneski To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Cubs, Dodgers Among Teams With Some Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Marlins Place Xavier Edwards On 10-Day Injured List

    Dodgers Place Kirby Yates On 15-Day IL, Select Lou Trivino

    Dodgers Release Chris Taylor

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version