The Atlanta Braves have had an undeniable level of frustration with Austin Riley as the third baseman continues to endure the worst season of his career. It has led to a level of speculation as to whether or not Riley could be dealt ahead of Monday's deadline. The suggestion has come from a frustrated fanbase, one that is ignoring the obvious need for patience with the hope that the offseason will serve as the needed reset.
While Riley has regressed over the last three seasons, this is by far the worst season of his career. It has been an outlier in every way, leaving reason to wonder if the remaining hurdles are simply mental frustrations that could be reset by a long offseason.
Adding to this is the fact that the Braves simply lack any proven infield options to step in as a long term starting option. Turning the page on Riley is a fan idea born of frustration and not realistic given the infielder's contract, history, or where the Braves currently stand with a player expected to be an important franchise piece moving forward.
For Riley, there simply has to be a continual focus on the game ahead, attempting to put the first months in the rearview. Even if this doesn't prove to be the case and the same version of Riley continues to show up, the path forward doesn't change.
Braves Should Have Zero Interest in Potential Austin Riley Trade
Riley getting dealt simply doesn't make sense from Atlanta's perspective, with patience remaining the obvious decision. Even if the franchise did have an option at third that could deliver, you would be dealing Riley at his lowest possible value, with there being questions as to whether or not there would be willing suitors based on Riley's contract and the current lack of production.
Atlanta simply has to hope that things begin to turn around in the final two months of the season, understanding that Riley's career suggests that even if the underwhelming season continues, the years ahead will be far more productive.
For the time being, patience is the only path for the Braves based on what Riley has meant to the franchise and produced in years past. Any trade suggestions aren't realistic despite the Braves remaining extremely aggressive ahead of this year's trade deadline. Riley getting moved will not be a part of the Braves' next 24 hours as they look to continue to make a World Series push.
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