Can the Braves snatch this rival All-Star slugger in free company?

To say it has been a nightmare season for the Atlanta Braves is nothing in need of an understatement. As issues stand in the present day, the Braves are in fourth-place within the NL East, two video games behind the Marlins — sure, the identical Marlins that have been swept by the Rockies.

With all hope now a factor of the previous, normal supervisor Alex Anthopoulos is ready for a minor sale that may possible solely embody leases. Amongst these of their contract 12 months stands the one haymaker that ought to land the Braves an honest haul, veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna. Chris Sale, who has drawn important curiosity, is not going to be on the transfer. Anthopoulos has made that clear in no unsure phrases. 

The 36-year-old southpaw has a membership choice on his contract for subsequent 12 months, one Anthopoulos plans to train. However this raises a query about subsequent 12 months. With yet another 12 months of Sale, what’s going to Anthopoulos do to compete? Does he carry again Ozuna, or does he as a substitute strive for slugger that may be a little youthful and has achieved considerably higher this 12 months?

One has to suppose that Anthopoulos discovered some inspiration watching three house runs on three pitches fly off the bat of Kyle Schwarber in his ballpark to win the All-Star Recreation. Within the final 12 months of his contract with the Phillies, Schwarber is hitting .247/.378/.545 with 30 house runs. He couldn’t have requested for higher timing with stats like these.

Over the previous 4 years, Schwarber hit wherever from 32 to 48 house runs. Just a few of his batting averages have wavered in an unfavorable route, however Schwarber corrected that final 12 months. As well as, his tendency to attract walks (extra so the tendency of opposing pitchers to keep away from pitching to him) has attributed to some somewhat admirable on-base numbers no matter his batting averages.

Schwarber would make a superb seize for the Braves, however there may be at all times the matter of cash. Anthopoulos is at all times financially conscientious. Fortunately, with the contracts of Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias coming off the books, there might be room to spend. And as a DH heading into his age-33 season, Schwarber’s market worth most likely gained’t be as excessive accurately, even when a number of groups might be .

In any case, with the group heading into Sale’s stroll 12 months and the DH spot open, Anthopoulos might be underneath strain to place forth a aggressive group over the offseason. Whether or not its Schwarber or one other star slugger, we will possible anticipate one thing large from Anthopoulos coming off this shockingly disheartening season.