Jurickson Profar's decision to ignore the league's strict policies has badly hurt Atlanta's outfield depth and left his status with the team in question. Veteran Alex Verdugo has gotten off to a quick start and left room to wonder if he could become a part of Atlanta's outfield answers.
A trio of Verdugo, Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuna Jr. is talented enough to help pick up the Atlanta offense. However, it would be a surprise not to see the team still look to add to the position in a trade during the next weeks of the season. How urgently the Braves attack the position depends a lot on whether Verdugo can put up quality at-bats consistently.
If the outfielder can turn the clock back to his days in Boston, Atlanta could afford to wait until the trade deadline to add to the position. While Profar will return, his standing with the team is very much in question.
Handing the veteran starts late in the season, when you know he cannot be a member of the postseason roster, could be a bad decision. Atlanta might be better served by looking to the team's past to find an answer.
If Joc Pederson's struggles in Texas continue, Atlanta would be the perfect landing spot for the slugger
Atlanta fans will remember Pederson fondly for his contributions to the 2021 World Series team. His tone-setting mantra would define Atlanta's unexpected run and make sure Pederson remained a fan-favorite.
After spending time with Arizona, the slugger signed with the Texas Rangers on a two-year deal. While the Rangers are contenders, Pederson is off to a dismal start that could force the team to look at other options.
If that does prove to be the case, Atlanta would be the perfect spot for Pederson to land. Bolstering the Atlanta lineup and bringing an energy to Atlanta's clubhouse that they currently lack.
The one downside to this move is the fact you would be adding an additional lefty alongside Alex Verdugo, who isn't a strong defensive piece. Pederson is best used as a DH at this point in his career, however, the Braves are obviously not going to take Marcell Ozuna out of the lineup or attempt to put the veteran back into the outfield.
Despite this hurdle, a reunion potentially makes sense for both sides and could come at a discount if Pederson continues to play poorly. Whether it is a reunion with Pederson or an unexpected move, there is no debating the Braves desperately need reinforcements. The team's shaky depth has cost them in the first weeks of the season and must be improved if the turnaround is going to continue.