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Atlanta Braves: Five Possible Trade Deadline Targets

By Matthew Mastandrea

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 16: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves dives safely for third base on his triple hit in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park on May 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 16: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves dives safely for third base on his triple hit in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park on May 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 17: Johnny Field #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays congratulates Denard Span #2 on his two run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 17, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 17: Johnny Field #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays congratulates Denard Span #2 on his two run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 17, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Yet Another Ray 

A key to any teams success is having a deep bench, and that is something that Atlanta has struggled with a bit this season.

Preston Tucker and one of either Kurt Suzuki or Tyler Flowers off the bench this season has been great. However, once you get past the two of them it starts to get interesting. Once Dansby Swanson returns from his DL stint, presuming a Bautista/Flaherty platoon continues, Atlanta could certainly benefit from an upgrade off the bench. Along with the struggles of Camargo, Charlie Culberson (.191 average) has also had a rough time. Cue Denard Span.

Span has seen time in left field this season as a platoon with the Rays. He currently owns a .252 average to go along with 3 homers, 27 RBI’s, and 5 stolen bases. The 34-year-old can play all three outfield positions, which would give Atlanta the chance to give the occasional off day to any of the three of Inciarte/Acuña/Markakis.

Currently, in the final year of his contract, Span wouldn’t command a hefty return if the Rays do choose to sell at the deadline. Not only would Span give the Braves another threat off the bench, but they would receive another veteran presence that would only aid what seems to be a superb chemistry Atlanta currently has.

The Braves for the first time in a while have a good problem. They’ll be able to pick and choose who they want at the deadline this year instead of having to subtract. Comment below and let us know who you’d like to see the Braves go after!

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