Braves' Top Hypothetical Trade Targets for Early Season Shakeup
The Atlanta Braves have looked like the team to beat in the National League for much of the season, but with the Los Angeles Dodgers riding a hot streak and once again lurking as a potential title contender, it's never too early to start shoring up the roster.
The biggest weakness for the Braves so far has been the closer's role. Raisel Iglesias missed time early, A.J. Minter struggled in his absence, and Iglesias himself has also started slow after finally returning to action.
All told, the Braves have nine blown saves in 20 opportunities, and the bullpen ranks 16th in the majors with a 3.93 ERA, so shoring up the relief corps figures to be a top priority.
Ahead we've highlighted three relievers who would make sense as early targets.
Blockbuster Addition: LHP Aroldis Chapman, Kansas City Royals
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With a dip in fastball velocity and a middling 4.46 ERA and 28 walks in 36.1 innings last season, Aroldis Chapman found limited interest on the free-agent market this past winter after wrapping up a three-year, $48 million extension with the New York Yankees.
He ended up settling for a one-year, $3.75 million deal from the Kansas City Royals, which is quickly shaping up to be one of the steals of the offseason.
The 35-year-old has seen his fastball velocity bounce back from 97.5 mph last season to 99.6 mph this year, and the results have returned with it, as he has a 3.45 ERA and 14.4 K/9 in 17 appearances.
He ranks third among active pitchers with 316 career saves, so if Iglesias continues to struggle, he has ample experience in the ninth inning for a team with title aspirations.
Low-Cost Addition: RHP Joe Kelly, Chicago White Sox
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If the Braves are willing to take on the remainder of the $9 million salary still owed to Joe Kelly this year, as well as the $1 million buyout responsibility on a $9.5 million club option for next year, it might not take more than a mid-level prospect to acquire him.
The former starter struggled to a 6.08 ERA over 43 appearances in the first season of a two-year, $17 million deal in 2022, but he has drastically improved this year.
With a sinker that is averaging 98.5 mph and a hard curveball that he has allowed just one hit with on the year, he has posted a 3.48 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and a brilliant 15-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 10.1 innings.
He has 40 career postseason appearances under his belt, making him an even more attractive target for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Outside-the-Box Addition: RHP Miguel Díaz, Detroit Tigers
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A rare fastball-changeup reliever who doesn't have a go-to breaking pitch, Miguel Díaz had a strong season out of the San Diego Padres bullpen in 2021, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 in 25 appearances.
The 28-year-old made just three appearances at the MLB level last season after signing a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers, and he is back pitching for the team's Triple-A affiliate this year.
He has a 1.50 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and a 25-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 innings, converting all six of his save chances along the way, and the Tigers would likely jump at the opportunity to turn their minimal investment in him into a prospect.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.
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