It appeared obvious that one area of need for the Atlanta Braves ahead of this year's trade deadline was a meaningful addition to left field. While the team could still explore a possible addition, the sense of urgency has very quickly dissipated as Mike Yastzemski has turned things around at an unexpected level. Through March and April, the left fielder offered an underwhelming .209 average, striking out 25 times.
There was a frustrating predictability to Yastrzemski's at-bats that left fans wanting more from the position. Eli White was given an opportunity but failed to provide consistency, leading to shortstop Mauricio Dubon often being used as a starting option. Still, Yastrzemski was given a chance, and all of a sudden, an undeniable corner has been turned over the last month of the season.
The veteran outfielder hit a trio of homers, drove in nine, and has hit .280 during the month of May. These haven't just been low-pressure at-bats but included a walk-off hit and key contributions in big moments. This has taken away all the needed pressure on Atlanta's front office to add to the position, with the team now having reason to believe its current bench can provide the needed answers.
Braves Have Less Deadline Urgency After Mike Yastrzemski's Impressive Turnaround
Platooning Yastrzemski and Dubon is now a viable option for a World Series contender as long as the current level of production continues. This isn't to say the team shouldn't explore potential options, but rather pointing out the lack of urgency and the potential that the needed answers are already rostered.
The Braves have the luxury of approaching this year's trade deadline with an open mind and able to add to any position if the right deal presents. This speaks to a loaded roster that lacks a clear weakness, with the current construction giving Atlanta a clear chance to take down the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Yastrzemski hitting at this level, the Braves cannot help but consider whether a trade is still in their best interest. If any addition is made to the position, it should be a right-handed option to take pressure off White and allow Dubon to play a true utility role. Yastrzemski isn't an option against left-handed pitching, creating a clear opening for the team to utilize Dubon in a different role. Regardless of the answer, there is no denying Yastrzemski's turnaround and the clear difference it has made in a loaded Atlanta lineup.
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