The Braves need to make a move this offseason.
Acuna isn’t anticipated to be ready for opening day. Michael Harris II is the Braves’ center fielder. He is also the team’s sole healthy, reliable outfielder on the roster right now. Jarred Kelenic can assist, but the Braves need another outfield bat after trading Jorge Soler and moving on from Ramon Laureano.
So, with the Braves apparently looking for a left-handed bat and outfield help, Atlanta likely be linked to several guys. The Braves could always try to sign a player through free agency, but they can also look to the trade market.
Potential Braves trade options
This offseason, there are few outfielders available for trade. A guy like Mike Yastrzemski could be a good fit for Atlanta. The 34-year-old San Francisco Giants outfielder is signed through the 2025 season. Acquiring him would be a short-term investment for Atlanta.
Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox and even Baltimore Orioles All-Star Cedric Mullins might be trade targets. However, one athlete stands out as a particularly fascinating fit.
Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, who has opted into his deal until 2025, has been considered as a trade target. Acquiring him would be risky, since Bellinger has a $25 million player option for the 2026 season. He is likely to test free agency if he plays well in 2025, although this is not definite.
In 2024, Bellinger slashed just .266/.325/.426/.751 across 130 games played. He also hit 18 home runs and 23 doubles as well as recording nine stolen bases.
Bellinger’s season was not without its difficulties. Nonetheless, he would provide an upgrade for the Braves based on their current needs. Also, it goes without saying that Bellinger’s potential is worth the risk.
The 2019 National League MVP Award winner is just one reason removed from a 2023 campaign that saw him slash .307/.356/.525/.881. Bellinger also finished with his highest home run total since the aforementioned 2019 campaign, ultimately hitting 26 home runs in 2023. He stole 20 bases as well.
Will Braves trade for Cody Bellinger?
Atlanta does not always generate the most buzz in the trade market. They do want to play competitive baseball, though, and trade for a talent like Bellinger would assist with that.
Having said that, they could choose to pursue a different way. Mullins, Yastrzemski, and Abreu might benefit Atlanta in 2025. Mullins, a 2021 All-Star, may have a particularly significant impact.
Whether it’s Cedric Mullins, Cody Bellinger, or someone else, the Braves will most certainly attempt to add another outfielder or two via trade or free agency.
