Bargain-worthy candidates that could interest the Atlanta Braves

Anthopoulos’s Dilemma: Balancing Present and FutureAnthopoulos’s Dilemma: Balancing Present and Future As the trade deadline looms, Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces a difficult decision. With Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider out for the season, the team’s World Series chances have suffered a significant blow. Yet, there is still a glimmer of hope if they can maintain a healthy roster with Max Fried and Ozzie Albies. Anthopoulos is determined to strike a balance between improving the present roster and preserving the future. With a thin farm system and the absence of their two star players, going “all in” seems unwise. Instead, he may opt for affordable prospects, similar to the strategy employed in 2021. Potential Trade Targets Here are a few inexpensive prospects that the Braves could pursue, as suggested by Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report: * Michael Conforto (OF, San Francisco Giants): Conforto’s home/away splits indicate that he could benefit from a venue change. In Oracle Park, he has a low .353 batting average and .643 OPS, while on the road, he boasts a .463 slugging percentage and .768 OPS. * Eloy Jiménez (DH/LF, Chicago White Sox): Injuries have hindered Jiménez’s career, but he remains a potential buy-low candidate. Despite a current batting average of .238 and an OPS+ of 83, he hit 18 homers and drove in 64 runs for the White Sox last year. Balancing Act Anthopoulos’s ultimate goal is to find players who can improve the offense while not sacrificing too much defensively. While the Braves may consider Jiménez, his injury history could be a concern. Conforto, on the other hand, could be a worthwhile gamble given his low cost and potential for improvement in a more hitter-friendly ballpark. As the trade deadline approaches, Anthopoulos will have to carefully weigh the risks and rewards of different potential deals. His decisions will shape the Braves’ chances of competing in the present while also safeguarding their future prospects.

As the trade deadline approaches, there is heated debate in Braves Country about what Alex Anthopoulos should do this year.

Atlanta is in a tough spot. On one hand, the Braves’ chances of winning a World Series are severely diminished without Ronald Acuna and Spencer Strider for the season.

On the other hand, if the club just goes into the dance healthy with Max Fried and Ozzie Albies, anything can happen in October, we know that. It’s a gamble.

So Anthopoulos knows his team has a chance if they can just get healthy. He’ll certainly be a buyer to improve certain facets of the roster, but going “all in” seems unwise without a strong farm system and your two best players.

It’s all about finding a balance between the present and the future, which is why the Braves could end up with some cheap prospects, just like they did in 2021. Here are a few from Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly:

Michael Conforto: OF, San Francisco Giants

Conforto, a familiar face, spent time with the Mets early in his career but never quite lived up to All-Star expectations. As Kelly points out, Conforto’s home/away games are exactly why a club like the Braves might be interested.

Oracle Park is notoriously one of the least hitter-friendly parks in baseball, and Conforto’s splits suggest that a change of venue could improve his overall effectiveness. In 34 games at Oracle Park, Conforto is hitting .353 with a .643 OPS compared to a .463 slugging percentage and .768 OPS in 44 games on the road.

If Michael Conforto is available, the Braves may be interested as they would have to give up very little potential capital in exchange for his services.

Eloy Jiménez: DH/LF, Chicago White Sox

Injuries have hampered Eloy Jiménez’s career quite a bit and a change of scenery could do him some good, but I’m not sure how interested the Braves would be in an injury-prone veteran like Jiménez.

But he’s certainly a candidate to buy low. He’s currently hitting .238 with an OPS+ of 83, but he hit 18 homers and drove in 64 runs for the White Sox last year. He had a stellar 2022 season that was cut short by injuries. He played in just 84 games for Chicago two years ago, but had an OPS+ of 141 thanks to a .295 batting average and 16 homers. Granted, he’s probably better suited as an occasional outfielder, but the Braves would gladly give up some defense if it meant improving the offense.

Photographer: Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire

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