Written By The Atlanta Braves have had a strong start to the 2021 MLB season, and a big part of their success has been the breakout performance of one of their young stars. As the trade deadline approaches, teams around the league will be looking to add pieces to their rosters in the hopes of making a playoff push, and the Braves’ breakout star is sure to be a hot commodity. But who is this player, and what makes him so valuable?
The Braves’ breakout star is none other than 24-year-old outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña has been a top prospect in the Braves’ organization for several years, and he has lived up to the hype in 2021. Through the first half of the season, Acuña was among the league leaders in home runs, stolen bases, and runs scored. He has also been a solid defender in right field, making several highlight-reel plays throughout the season.
Acuña’s breakout performance has not gone unnoticed, and he is sure to be a top target for teams looking to add offensive firepower to their rosters. However, the Braves are unlikely to part with their young star, as he is a key part of their long-term plans. The team recently signed Acuña to a massive eight-year, $100 million contract extension, locking him up through the 2028 season.
While Acuña is the Braves’ most valuable asset, he is not the only player on their roster who could be a target for other teams. Here are four other players who could be on the radar of contending teams as the trade deadline approaches:
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Freddie Freeman – First Baseman
Freeman has been a fixture in the Braves’ lineup for the better part of a decade, and he is one of the best first basemen in the league. He is a former MVP and has been named to multiple All-Star teams. Freeman is also in the final year of his contract, so the Braves could look to move him if they feel they cannot sign him to a long-term deal.
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Charlie Morton – Starting Pitcher
Morton signed with the Braves as a free agent this past offseason, and he has been a solid addition to their rotation. He has a wealth of playoff experience and has pitched in several World Series games. Morton is signed through the 2022 season, so he could be a valuable rental for a team in need of starting pitching.
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Will Smith – Relief Pitcher
Smith has been one of the most consistent relievers in the league over the past several years. He has a career ERA of 2.88 and has saved over 100 games. Smith is signed through the 2022 season, so he could be a valuable rental for a team in need of bullpen help.
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Dansby Swanson – Shortstop
Swanson was the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, and he has been a solid contributor for the Braves over the past several years. He is a good defensive shortstop and has shown some power at the plate. Swanson is under team control through the 2022 season, so the Braves could look to move him if they feel they cannot sign him to a long-term deal.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams will be looking to add pieces to their rosters in the hopes of making a playoff push. The Braves’ breakout star, Ronald Acuña Jr., is sure to be a top target for contending teams, but the Braves are unlikely to part with their young star. However, they have several other players who could be on the radar of other teams, including Freddie Freeman, Charlie Morton, Will Smith, and Dansby Swanson. It will be interesting to see how the trade deadline plays out and which teams emerge as.
