The Atlanta Braves Should Consider Trading These Five Players
By Kit Anderson
![CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Jose Bautista (L) of the Atlanta Braves is greeted by Tyler Flowers (C) and Nick Markakis (R) of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a three-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning while wearing the #42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day on May 14, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Jose Bautista (L) of the Atlanta Braves is greeted by Tyler Flowers (C) and Nick Markakis (R) of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a three-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning while wearing the #42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day on May 14, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/665d33db531a5d922790f4b6bc9f9663a1981b13ca403e3dedf9c7cbb6fecbcf.jpg)
1. Call an End to the Experiment of Jose Bautista at Third Base
Watching Jose Bautista play third base has been fun considering I have been a longtime fan of the slugger. But, putting that aside it is obvious in his first weeks with the team the slugger is aged. His inability to put the ball in play has been frustrating as well.
So far he has hit an anemic .172 with some power. He has knocked two balls over the fence but otherwise has brought little talent to the roster.
As hard as it may be to accept Ryan Flaherty or Charlie Culberson might be better options to start and are certainly better defensively.
Trading Bautista would be a good move though if they find a team interested they are likely to get little in return. The Blue Jays could be a possible fit considering their unexpected resurgence and his history with the team.
Austin Riley is showing he is very close to ready to take over the job at third base. Until then, Flaherty can take over and hold down the hot corner. It won’t be a long wait for Riley who will soon be starting every day at third.