As the Atlanta Braves continue to fight their way back above .500, the team should be active in the trade market. Specifically, the Braves need to search for bullpen and outfield upgrades. With Ronald Acuña Jr. working his way back through the end of May, the Braves need to add a sense of urgency to their search for outfield depth. Atlanta is going to need to ease the 2023 MVP back into the lineup, driving home the need for another option along with Eli White and Alex Verdugo.
Both veteran outfielders have been shockingly productive at the plate, helping Atlanta survive not only key injuries but the Jurickson Profar suspension as well. With this in mind, what the Braves need is a piece that can work as a starting option or as a rotational one. One potential option with Derek Shelton's firing driving the organizational dysfunction home is Pittsburgh outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
Andrew McCutchen Would Be the Perfect Final Piece for Atlanta's Outfield
Shelton being fired drives home that this is a team that is going to be unloading veteran contracts ahead of the deadline. This is a rebuilding team that simply needs to focus its attention on collecting prospects and attempting to turn the page in the years to come. McCutchen clearly doesn't fit this timeline and should be on the trade market.
For Atlanta, it is a perfect fit with the right-handed hitter balancing out Atlanta's options. There is the potential of starting McCutchen in the postseason if Alex Verdugo or Eli White cannot continue to prove their offensive value. Profar is suspended for any potential postseason as well, leaving one clear starting role up for grabs.
There is reason to doubt that Eli White is going to continue his torrid offensive start, and Verdugo remains a clear question mark as well. McCutchen eases these concerns without adding a player you're required to put in the starting lineup or commit an uncomfortable amount of money to.
Andrew McCutchen is the perfect outfield answer and gives Atlanta room to ease Acuña's playing time forward. It should at least be explored as the team continues its attempts to turn the season around.