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The Atlanta Braves got off to a slow start to the 2022 MLB season in their efforts to defend their World Series title. They've managed to turn things around of late, clawing back within 3.5 games of the NL East-leading Mets. Now that the team is heating up, they're right back in the mix for a playoff spot and will look to catch the Mets during the second half of the season.
In order to do that, the Braves may need to be active at the trade deadline in order to buff up the roster. Another cold spell could be devastating for the Braves, so loading up at the deadline in order to avoid that could be a possibility.
With Kenley Jansen out for the foreseeable future after a troubling injury diagnosis, the Braves could certainly look to acquire some experienced relievers in order to help fortify the bullpen. Additionally, Braves batters rank second in MLB in strikeouts, trailing only the Angels, so they could be enticed to try to trade for a contact hitter at the deadline, too.
With all that in mind, here are three targets for the Braves at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
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Braves 2022 Trade Deadline Targets
3. Andrew Benintendi
The emergence of Michael Harris has made the Braves' need for a contact hitter less dire, but if Benintendi is available, Atlanta should still consider making a move. Andrew Benintendi would provide Atlanta with a reliable left-handed bat, one who doesn't strike out much at all. He has just 44 strikeouts in 76 games this year and is batting an excellent .308 on the year.
In addition to his reliable bat, Benintendi would provide the Braves with some Gold Glove-caliber defense. Harris is enjoying a tremendous start to life in Atlanta, but it's unclear if this level of production is sustainable. Securing a trade for Benintendi would give the Braves some additional depth in the outfield and would help reduce their staggering strikeout rate at the plate.
2. David Robertson
David Robertson would be a very intriguing addition for the Braves at the deadline. One of the most experienced relievers in all of baseball, the 37-year-old is enjoying another solid campaign in 2022. The Chicago Cubs don't figure to be in contention for the playoffs, so it stands to reason that they would look to flip the veteran right-hander to buff up their farm system.
The Braves, especially after losing Jansen, are in need of an experienced high-leverage reliever. Robertson would fit that bill to a T. This year, Robertson has recorded a pristine 1.72 ERA with 11 saves in 28 appearances. He has fanned 41 batters across 31.1 innings on the mound, walking six hitters.
Robertson has shown throughout the year that he still has plenty left in the tank, despite being in his 14th MLB season. The Braves should certainly be keeping close tabs on Robertson, as he could be a key difference-maker down the line.
1. Gregory Soto
With the Detroit Tigers still looking at least a few years away from contention, they may look to flip Soto for a solid haul of prospects. At 27, Soto may not fit into Detroit's long-term plans, but he would have tremendous trade value for the Tigers.
Soto is coming off an All-Star campaign last season and has maintained his solid play into 2022. He has logged a 2.57 ERA this season, the best of his career, and has 29 strikeouts in 28 innings, racking up 15 saves on the season. With the Braves likely in the market for some bullpen depth, adding Soto would give them a quality back-end arm who has a few years of team control left on his contract before hitting free agency.
If Detroit is willing to trade Soto, the Braves would be a great landing spot for the young reliever.
