When it comes to early prospective targets for the Braves, I’ve started with the teams who will definitely be selling off their spare parts this summer, as there are less than two months left until the trade deadline. Use the links below to see if you missed any of the earlier editions.
Let’s move on to the Oakland Athletics, or as I like to call, old faithful. All-Stars Matt Olson and Sean Murphy were acquired by the A’s thanks to two spectacular trades made by Alex Anthopoulos in the previous three years. Though they have a few trade targets that the Braves would be interested in, Oakland’s dealings haven’t gone quite as well, so it’s unclear if they would even be willing to deal with Anthopoulos again.
Rooker Brent
With Marcell Ozuna in the lineup, the Braves don’t really need a DH, and Rooker is arguably better off as a DH than an outfielder. However, given their underperforming outfield, they might be prepared to make a small defensive compromise in exchange for Rooker’s unquestionable ability to increase offense. With 12 home runs this season, he is hitting.274, which is barely below.900 for an OPS. Additionally, his contract expires in2027, so when Ozuna’s is up, he might take his spot as the designated hitter.
Blackburn Paul
Everyone will talk about the A’s pitchers, Mason Miller and JP Sears, but I don’t see them moving. But they have a few veterans who might be able to complete the first up for the Braves is Paul Blackburn. He has a 4.31 ERA and 4.10 FIP over 49 starts in his last three seasons.
Ross-Stripling
After a good debut with the Dodgers, Stripling went on to be successful with the Blue Jays. His performance with the A’s has changed, and his seasonlong record of 1-9 with a 5.82 ERA is dreadful. He may benefit greatly from leaving Oakland, though, as his 3.98 FIP indicates he’s ready for some very significant positive regression.
