Top Atlanta Braves Storylines To Watch Before The Trade Deadline
The Atlanta Braves currently lead the the NL East Division, and have for a while. With just over a month until the MLB Trade Deadline, here are a few of the emerging storylines.
Around the trade deadline fans, and media both, enjoy speculating about big name players that could be on the move and the teams that could claim them.
One hot topic will be Manny Machado and the Braves. Logistically, there’s little chance the Braves make a move for him prior to the offseason. But it’s easy to see why fans would embrace the fantasy.
Machado excels defensively, provides pop at the plate and consistently gets on base. Imagine a line up where he bats clean up for Freeman and one spot ahead of Nick Markakis. It’s an enticing idea.
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Third Base and Shortstop were question marks heading into the season. The Braves hadn’t had a great, consistent Third Baseman since Chipper Jones retired five years ago. Dansby Swanson didn’t meet the high expectations placed upon him last season.
Machado happens to play well at both positions.
Yet, the performances at third base and shortstop are a reason the Braves are succeeding. Ryan Flaherty played out of his mind in April before taking a seat on the bench when Johan Camargo returned from injury. A combination of Camargo, Swanson and Charlie Culberson make up the typical line up on the left side of the infield.
While none of them have played at the level of a Machado, the trio is turning heads in Atlanta. Late inning heroics from Swanson and Culberson have won the Braves several games in May and June. The three play average defense on the left side of the infield.
The better these guys play, the less likely it is the Braves will be willing to ship the farm for a two-month rental on Machado. After all, Machado will be a free agent this winter. A number of teams will be after his services.
By the way, for those unfamiliar with the Braves farm system, they could well have their Third Baseman of the future in the majors by August. Austin Riley has been raking in the minors and looks poised to join the big league club either this fall or next spring.
Rumors will continue to swirl around Machado and the Braves. Read in to them all you like, but don’t buy into the fantasy just yet.