The Atlanta Braves are battling to get back into the National League East race as they entered Sunday’s action with a 27-30 record and 8.5 games behind the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies for first place. With the National League featuring plenty of elite teams, it may take a deal at the trade deadline to vault themselves back into contention.
While the offense has picked up with the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. and the starting rotation is strong even in the aftermath of AJ Smith-Shawver’s elbow injury, the Braves still need to upgrade their bullpen. With Atlanta’s relievers entering Sunday ranked 12th with a 3.66 ERA, they’ll be in the market for relief help and they may have a target in mind.
Braves Should Call Pirates About Dennis Santana After Latest Pirates Report
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote on Sunday morning that while they are “flatly rebuking” trade offers for stars Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, they are willing to listen to deals on the other players on their roster. Nightingale also listed third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds as “intriguing options” but it makes more sense for Atlanta to consider making a deal for Dennis Santana.
Santana has been one of the few bright spots for the Pirates this season, posting a 1-1 record and a 1.48 ERA in 24.1 innings this season. He’s also displayed lights out stuff as his 38.1% chase rate is in the 98th percentile and his 29.9% whiff rate is in the 81st percentile of major league relievers according to Baseball Savant.
While his 10.1% career walk rate brings some concerns, he’s gotten that under control posting a 7.3% walk rate last season and a 5.4% walk rate that’s his lowest since his rookie season.
Bullpen help should be Atlanta’s top priority at the trade deadline. The Braves came into the season with Raisel Iglesias as their closer, but he’s been one of their biggest disappointments with a 5.91 ERA in 21.1 innings. Dylan Lee (2.52 ERA), Enyel De Los Santos (3.38), Daysbel Hernández (2.25) and Pierce Johnson (3.48) have also had strong seasons, but the Braves could use one more arm to tie things together.
While former All-Star David Bednar could also be available, Santana is the one trade chip the Pirates could look to sell high on as they enter Sunday with a 22-37 record. If they’re serious about listening to everyone, the 29-year-old should be on Atlanta’s radar and jump in on a potential fire sale.