Should the Atlanta Braves Trade For Mike Moustakas?
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves have one clear hole on their roster at third base. Should the Braves chase top trade target Mike Moustakas at the trade deadline? Or could they fill the position with a prospect?
Mike Moustakas in the Atlanta Braves lineup would be a great addition to a postseason contending roster. The problem is how much a one-year rental would cost. Moustakas is a good hitter and wouldn’t come cheap.
There is also the issue of Austin Riley lighting up Triple-A pitching. Riley is expected to be the third baseman of the future for the Braves. Watching Riley he seems to have all the needed skills to be a good starter in the Big Leagues.
His defense is improving and his ability to work counts and hit for powers have all improved as well.
If the Braves did make a move for Mike Moustakas they risk blocking and frustrating Austin Riley. Trading for Moustakas should only happen if the Braves are sure Riley isn’t ready for Big League pitching.
If he isn’t, Moustakas would be a great addition. He would likely hit after Markakis and make the Braves lineup the deepest in the National League East. They may not have the best top three in the League but they certainly have the deepest lineup.
If Riley continues to perform in Triple-A the Braves should give him a chance as opposed to trading for a proven Major Leaguer. This will give the Braves a chance to evaluate the position ahead of next season’s huge free agent class.
A free agent class the Braves are expected to have very deep pockets to chase. Adding Moustakas is a nice story but it seems unlikely the Braves would make that drastic of a move unless they start to struggle.
Austin Riley is thought to be the third baseman of the future. He deserves a chance to prove it sooner rather than later.