The Atlanta Braves are 29-38. They are in fourth place in the National League East and 15 games back of first place. They are nine games out of a Wild Card spot,
The Braves, many would assume, are going to be sellers when the trade deadline rolls around. Players like Marcell Ozuna could yield the Braves great returns, but Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicted that the Braves would not trade away their stars and instead try to turn things around.
"Above all, there's too much talent on this team for it not to turn around," wrote Kelly. "Ronald Acuña Jr. didn't make his season debut until May 23. Spencer Strider is still trying to find his rhythm after his second major elbow surgery. Austin Riley (.775 OPS), Ozzie Albies (.653 OPS) and Michael Harris II (.610 OPS) have all underperformed. Jurickson Profar won't be eligible for the postseason after failing a PED test, but he's going to be back for nearly the entire second half of the regular season. There is reason to think the Braves could get significantly better as the season goes along. It's clear the Braves have a hole at shortstop and need to completely remake their bullpen. We're not underestimating the challenges facing president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, but he's someone who has earned the benefit of the doubt."
Even if the Braves do not sell, it will be difficult to justify being buyers. They may not be able to give up assets for star players on expiring contracts. However, they could justify bringing in some underrated players who won't cost as much.
In 2021, the Braves were also under .500 through 67 games and ended up winning the World Series. That year, the Braves added Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Richard Rodríguez and Adam Duvall. Although the Braves did manage to get to 52-54 by the time the deadline rolled around.
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As Kelly noted, the Braves have too much talent not to turn things around. Ronal Acuña Jr. is playing like he would be in the MVP race had he not missed the start of the season. Players like Matt Olson, Riley, Albies and Harris will have to start playing like the stars they are if the Braves want to make a postseason push.
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