The Atlanta Braves remain one of baseball’s top teams and have continued to rack up wins despite dealing with a string of injuries. Still, they appear to be a few key additions short of establishing themselves as legitimate World Series favorites.
Atlanta has shown that last season’s playoff miss was likely an anomaly rather than a trend. With the trade deadline approaching, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has already signaled that the club is prepared to be aggressive in pursuing upgrades.
“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I’m not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we’re playing the way we are right now, we’re going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.
The Braves have the ability to pursue nearly any target at the deadline, but pitching is expected to remain the top priority. Atlanta could also explore upgrades in the infield. SI’s Ethen Hutton has the Braves acquiring Washington Nationals shortstop in exchange for Ozzie Albies, Cam Caminiti, and Tate Southisene.
“Washington receives Ozzie Albies, Cam Cantini (Braves No. 1 Prospect), Tate Southisene (Braves No. 4 Prospect). Atlanta receives CJ Abrams,” Hutton wrote. “In the proposed deal, the Braves go all-in on Abrams, offering a reliable veteran bat in Ozzies Albies, along with two high-end prospects. Albies has been linked as a potential trade candidate for some time, and could be moved to help shore up Atlanta’s defensive rotation over the long term, a billing Abrams fits.”
This would be a difficult deal for Atlanta to consider, but Abrams still comes with multiple years of team control. Albies, however, is having a strong season, which only complicates the decision.
“If you look at Albies’ profile right now, it looks a lot like prime and healthy Jose Altuve. If you go back to 2024, Altuve’s bat speed, hard hit rate, chase rate, walk rate, and average exit velocity were very close to what Albies has done so far this season. That’s incredibly promising and exactly what the Braves need out of him to be competitive. Albies bat can be a difference maker when he’s healthy.” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.
The future upside is clearly with Abrams, and he also comes at a much cheaper cost. Albies is on an expiring contract, meaning Atlanta would likely need to re-sign him this offseason if they keep him.
Abrams is currently on a $4.2 million deal that will vary through arbitration. In this scenario, the Braves would finally land a top-of-the-order shortstop with long-term control. While they would be giving up significant value, they would also be securing a potential cornerstone in Abrams.
