Atlanta Braves Should Give Austin Riley a Chance
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are rumored to be looking at potential third base trade targets as the trade deadline nears. If that is indeed the case, giving Austin Riley a chance now would be a great move for the Braves.
Austin Riley is having no problem adjusting after the Atlanta Braves promoted him to Triple-A. He is hitting .312 and looks to be close to ready for the next step.
Calling up Riley now would make sense for the Braves if they want to know what they need at the trade deadline. It seems pretty obvious Johan Camargo is not a long-term starting option. Giving Riley a chance to prove he is would be helpful long-term for the Braves.
If Riley were to struggle the team could focus on finding a third baseman who could fill the role. If he instead thrives, as I expect he will, the team can focus their resources on adding pitching instead of looking for a third baseman they already have.
Riley is thought to be the Braves third baseman of the future. If that is the case spending a lot of resources on acquiring a rental at third doesn’t make sense for a team that is all about youth.
Waiting and taking a shot in free agency would be more beneficial for the Braves instead of spending prospects.
A cheaper veteran rental option may present itself as well, giving the Braves two options in a veteran or Austin Riley.
Waiting to call Riley up isn’t the move to make if the Braves are serious about checking in on Manny Machado or Mike Moustakas two of the top names in the trade rumor mill.
Providing Riley a chance to save them prospects and time would be a great move for a team in need of a boost after wunderkind Ronald Acuna Jr. hit the DL. It is time to give Austin a chance to prove he is ready for the Big Leagues.