Atlanta Braves: Top Players the Braves Should Target with Trade Deadline Looming

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ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 01: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is congratulated after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ninth inning on May 1, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /

1. Manny Machado

This should be a given. He is the top target heading into the July 31st deadline and everyone wants him; moreover, the Braves have expressed interest in him. With the inconsistency at third base and with the Orioles being sellers right now, it may be the perfect time to make a move.

Machado is on fire this year. He has a .310 AVG and a whopping 21 Home Runs. He is an absolute monster in the batting lineup and out on the diamond. His defensive ability is outstanding. The 26-year-old is simply amazing.

The one thing that would prevent the Braves from pursuing Machado is that Austin Riley is a top prospect in the Minors and is the third baseman. Therefore, they may not want to invest in a player like Machado when they have an even younger player who is currently playing very well in Triple-A.

Nonetheless, he should be a high priority for the Braves as they are trying to improve throughout the season and make a legendary run in the postseason. There may not be an opportunity like this and the Braves should highly consider making a move for Machado, despite a high asking price.

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