Atlanta Braves: Five Trade Deadline Targets to Make Atlanta a Contender
By Kit Anderson
![ATLANTA, GA - JULY 29: Sean Newcomb #15 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Ender Inciarte #11 as teammates line up to greet Newcomb after throwing a one-hit game through 8 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - JULY 29: Sean Newcomb #15 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by Ender Inciarte #11 as teammates line up to greet Newcomb after throwing a one-hit game through 8 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e4a86bc7c595ebaf6b31278835f40374be3c7f5b0243005dba508e466d0a2158.jpg)
3. The Braves Should Cautiously Explore Acquiring Reliever Ken Giles For the back of the Atlanta Pen
Ken Giles is one of the more interesting pieces likely to be on the trade market. On one hand, Giles has pitched to a 1.45 ERA and converted 13 save chances so far this season. On the other there are some concerns Giles has been lucky and his 4.65 ERA from last season could be cause to expect a bit of regression in the second half of the season.
Giles has been an up-and-down pitcher his whole career. At times he has dominated and at other appeared as if he were tossing batting practice every other night.
With this in mind, the Braves should explore trading for Ken Giles but remain unwilling to spend a top ten prospect on the reliever.
Giles could make a push for the closer’s role if his production continues or be used as a setup option.
The Braves should explore a trade for Giles but only if Toronto is willing to unload him for a reasonable package. Otherwise, Atlanta is better off focusing on other targets.