Atlanta Braves: Top Players the Braves Should Target with Trade Deadline Looming
![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 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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/423aeab96563871813b855dddca153d293a813fc0cdf85991a63cfba8672a30c.jpg)
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.