With Ronald Acuna, Jr out for the season with a torn right ACL, the Braves were either going to be buyers or sellers for the second half of the season that begins tonight at Truist Park as they host the Tampa Bay Rays. The Braves typically are not buyers in these situations because Liberty Media Corporation, the company that owns the Braves, likes to hold tight with their money.
Late yesterday evening the Braves showed that they are going to try to be buyers the remainder of the way as they traded for outfielder Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs. In return the Braves sent single-A prospect first baseman Bryce Ball to the Cubs. Ball, a top 12 prospect, was slated to be a top candidate to replace Freddie Freeman. Currently, Ball is hitting .207 with six homers for Class A Rome Braves. But sometimes you have to take chances, and this is a chance. Pederson comes into the Braves just hitting .230 with 11 homers for the season. Last year he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers get past his now Braves team in the NLCS, then the Rays to win the World Series.
Pederson will play right field in replacement of Acuna this year. He also has an option year for next where he could be moved to left field or center field when Acuna returns. Pederson signed with the Cubs this year, and still showed the pop in his bat with the 11 homers, but his average was suspect. Here’s hoping another change of scenery will do him some good.
Right now our focus is on adding
Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves GM
The Braves currently sit third in the crowded NL East Division:
- New York Mets 47-40
- Philadelphia Phillies 44-44
- Atlanta Braves 44-45
- Washington Nationals 42-47
- Miamia Marlins 39-50
Braves management feels they are close and not giving up this season, this is the reason for the trade for Pederson. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos said, “Right now our focus is on adding.” The Braves are making a push for their fourth straight division title, and they might not be done yet. The trade deadline is July 30. Wait and see approach to see if this team trades for a relief pitcher, which they should be focusing on now.
Header photo courtesy of Bleed Cubbie Blue
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