Most Likely Trade Targets for the Atlanta Braves

Cover Photo: Getty Images

After a slow start to the year, the Atlanta Braves have found their rhythm in 2019 and lead the Philadelphia Phillies by one game for first place in the National League East.

The Braves have a lot of young, dynamic talents and the kind of well-rounded roster necessary for a playoff run. But if they want to cement their place in October, they'll need to improve their roster by making a deal or two at the trade deadline.

Here are three likely trade targets that can help the Braves make it back to the playoffs in 2019.

3. Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants

The Braves just signed Dallas Keuchel to a one-year contract, but the club could add one more starter to completely round out their rotation. Madison Bumgarner is a massive star with plenty of World Series experience. The 29-year-old southpaw would be a huge upgrade over Kevin Gausman (6.21 ERA) and would give Atlanta a playoff-tested former World Series MVP to lead them on a deep postseason run.

2. Nicholas Castellanos, 3B/OF, Detroit Tigers

The Braves have been excellent offensively this season, but that doesn't mean that they can't stand to improve. Josh Donaldson (.276/.365/.425) and Johan Camargo (.645 OPS) haven't produced as expected and a fresh bat could do a lot to make Atlanta's lineup better. Nicholas Castellanos is in the middle of a slump right now, but he's one of the best bats likely to be on the market. He also has good positional flexibility and could come cheap considering he's in the last year of his contract.

1. Ken Giles, RP, Toronto Blue Jays

The Braves bullpen has struggled to slam the door shut with consistency, blowing 11 save chances through 66 games this season. Stability in the ninth will be vital if Atlanta wants to make a run in the postseason and acquiring Blue Jays closer Ken Giles could be just what the doctor ordered. The 28-year-old fire-baller has been dominant in his 25 appearances in 2019, sporting a league-low 1.08 ERA while successfully converting 11-of-12 save opportunities.

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