The Atlanta Braves are always a threat at this time of year.
They may not make the biggest splashes with their signings, but Alex Anthopoulos has an effect in some way.
Last year, the Braves acquired starting pitcher Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox, who went on to win the National League Cy Young Award. This year, Atlanta may be trying to make an impact on the other side of the ball after missing the playoffs due to a lackluster offense.
The Braves failed to find a full-time left fielder in 2024, despite having Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II on their roster. Jarred Kelenic, another trade acquisition from last winter, was extremely unreliable, which may prompt Anthopoulos to look for a successor.
Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros would be the ideal trade target if he is available this winter. When asked directly about Tucker, Astros general manager Dana Brown fueled the fire on Monday by stating that anyone could be available in trade negotiations.
FanSided’s John Buhler offered a bizarre trade on Tuesday, acquiring Tucker from the Astros in exchange for Kelenic, pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver, and catcher Drake Baldwin. The latter two are among Atlanta’s top five prospects.
“For Atlanta, the Braves get the all-star player they need to have a successful summer. “The idea of Anthopoulos extending Tucker immediately upon arrival is quite good,” Buhler stated.
“Kelenic is a mega-talent, but he is as streaky and inconsistent as an outfielder can get. Since Atlanta does not want to deal Hurston Waldrep, send the Astros AJ Smith-Shawver instead. To sweeten the deal, Drake Baldwin makes it a trio trip to Houston.”
With Tucker on the Braves, Atlanta’s starting outfield would be set for almost every game next season. Acuña or Tucker can play lockdown defense in Truist Park’s left field, creating a strong defensive core for Harris in center.
Tucker is only under contract for one more year, so any trade for him would be reliant on ensuring that the Braves could extend him–another Anthopoulos special. Tucker’s contract is expected to be for $195 million over seven years, according to Spotrac.
Can Atlanta deal for Tucker and extend him before Opening Day arrives at Truist Park? It may be a stretch, but nothing is impossible for Anthopoulos.
