Braves' Top Hypothetical Trade Targets for Early Season Shakeup

The Atlanta Braves have one of the most complete rosters in baseball, but that won't stop them from kicking the tires on potential roster additions throughout the season as they eye another title push.

The current bench of Chadwick Tromp, Zack Short, Luke Williams and Adam Duvall has provided very little in the way of offensive production, and while that could change once Sean Murphy returns and if Duvall gets hot, finding more quality bench depth would make sense.

Similar to the move to acquire Nicky Lopez from the Kansas City Royals at the deadline last year, finding a useful utility infielder would help round out the roster.

Ahead we've highlighted one blockbuster target, one logical target, and one low-cost target the Dodgers could explore.

Blockbuster Target: Mauricio Dubón, Houston Astros

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 17: Mauricio Dubón #14 of the Houston Astros bats against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park on April 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

A move to acquire Mauricio Dubon might not feel like a blockbuster trade at surface level, but he is one of baseball's best utility players coming off a 2.7-WAR season and Gold Glove win last year, and he comes with club control through 2026.

He can play second base, shortstop and center field, and he is having a quality season at the plate, hitting .293/.320/.402 for a 109 OPS+ in 97 plate appearances for a Houston Astros team that might be headed for a rebuild of sorts.

He would give the Braves an insurance option at second base and shortstop, which is something they are currently lacking if Ozzie Albies or Orlando Arcia were to miss extended time, while also significantly bolstering the bench.

Logical Target: Amed Rosario, Tampa Bay Rays

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 30: Amed Rosario #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays up to bat during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 30, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Now that he has added the corner outfield spots to his defensive repertoire, Amed Rosario provides a similar profile to Mauricio Dubón defensively, just with a bit more power at the plate and a lower acquisition cost as a one-year rental.

The 28-year-old signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays during the offseason after a disappointing contract year in 2023, but he was a 4.2-WAR player for the Cleveland Guardians in 2022.

He is hitting .300/.315/.429 for a 114 OPS+ with 11 extra-base hits and five steals in 37 games, and he could serve as a super-utility player to help keep everyone in the Atlanta lineup fresh as the season unfolds.

Outside-the-Box Target: Brendan Rodgers, Colorado Rockies

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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 11: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first base after fielding a ground ball in the third ining against the Texas Rangers at Coors Field on May 11, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft and one of baseball's top prospects throughout his time in the Colorado Rockies farm system, Brendan Rodgers has shown flashes throughout his time in the big leagues, but injuries have kept him from fully developing into the franchise player he was expected to become.

The only time he has played more than 120 games came in 2022 when he hit .266/.325/.408 with 30 doubles, 13 home runs and 63 RBI while taking home NL Gold Glove honors at second base in a 4.3-WAR season.

Still only 27 years old, he is controllable through 2025 but could be a trade chip for a Rockies team going nowhere. A change of scenery could do wonders for his career trajectory, especially if he can stay healthy.