Atlanta Braves Shouldn’t Consider Trading Austin Riley

The Atlanta Braves have their starting third baseman for the season in Josh Donalson. Leaving questions for the Braves and Austin Riley, should the Braves be considering moving on from Riley?

The Atlanta Braves have remained quiet this offseason after making an early splash. With a crowded infield and offseason rumors flying there has been a reason to wonder if the Braves are attempting to move on from Austin Riley.

Riley is one of the better pieces in the Braves farm system and has seen his name thrown around in trade discussions.

Trading Riley would be a mistake for a Braves team who needs to continue to focus on their future.  Riley is behind a one-year deal and then the Braves are without any clear answer at the position.

Trading a potential long-term answer in Austin Riley would be a huge mistake for a savvy front office. Riley has jumped through the minor leagues hitting 19 homers and flashing a good glove at third base.

It seems obvious Riley is likely a long-term answer at third base and the Braves should pump the brakes on any trade involving Riley.

The only positions of need on the Braves roster can be filled without trading one of the best players in their farm system.

The Braves still are in need of a corner outfielder and one more arm they can count on, to add to the rotation. Trading a player who could play in Atlanta for years to come for a starter would be a big mistake for a smart front office.

Even if it answered one of these shortcomings, it would create another one for a team who has made it clear they are all about building their future.

Austin Riley should remain a Braves for the rest of the off-season and for many seasons to come. He is likely a long-term solution for a problem the Braves have been trying to solve since a certain Hall of Famer hung up his cleats half a decade ago.