Braves Trade Rumors: Who Will Atlanta Find to Fill in for Chipper Jones?

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves could certainly be in worse shape than they are in today, though they have plenty of reason to be active wheeling and dealing ahead of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

The Braves appear destined for postseason in some shape or form right now, with a 54-38 record and a five-game lead for the National League Wild-Card spot in the first year of the post-Bobby Cox era.

However, new manager Fredi Gonzalez won't likely let his guys settle for second place anytime soon, with just three and a half games separating Atlanta from the Philadelphia Phillies, who currently rule the roost in the NL East.

To do so, Braves General Manager Frank Wren will need to find someone to fill in for aging infielder Chipper Jones, who landed on the disabled list just before the All-Star Break when it became clear that a lingering meniscus tear in his knee would have to be dealt with he were to avoid missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Jones is expected to be out three to four weeks after undergoing surgery, leaving Atlanta with a gaping void in their infield that they hope will soon be filled by the return of Martin Prado, who has been on the DL since June.

Otherwise, the Braves figure to be in the mix for Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez and could even make a pitch for Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Juan Uribe, though they might be just as inclined to wait for Prado to return and hope that second baseman Dan Uggla's bat will finally wake up after an abysmal first half in which he slugged 15 homers but struggled with a .185 batting average and 84 strikeouts.

Atlanta could also be in the market for outfield help, with Carlos Quentin as a likely target should the Chicago White Sox opt to sell at the deadline.

—Josh Martin

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (3)