SerpApi.Org
According to Jon Morosi, the Athletics are listening to offers on some of their outfielders, with the hope of landing young starting pitching in return.
It’s been well documented that the Braves have a dire need for rotation help, but they also have a logjam of young, talented arms they’re eventually going to have to make decisions on.
AJ Smith-Shawver, Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, JR Ritchie, Didier Fuentes, Owen Murphy, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder are all starting pitchers with MLB experience, 27 or younger, and under team control for multiple seasons. That’s eight guys, and it doesn’t even include older options like Reynaldo Lopez, Chris Sale, and Grant Holmes — or any of the up-and-coming prospects moving through the system. The reality is there aren’t enough spots for all of them, and some trades will eventually have to be made.
Several of these arms should draw interest from a small-market team like the Athletics, who operate with a limited payroll — and Oakland has a few outfield/DH options that could substantially improve the Braves lineup in return.
Lawrence Butler
Lawrence Butler looked like he was on his way to becoming a star for the Athletics after hitting 22 home runs and stealing 18 bags over 125 games in 2024. But his production has dipped tremendously since, hitting just .193 this season and accumulating -1.4 WAR in 91 games. He’s probably not the type of trade candidate the Braves should be banking on to help put them over the top this season, but taking a flier on his talent could be worth the gamble. Butler is an Atlanta native and a childhood friend of Michael Harris II — perhaps a move back home could unlock his potential.
Tyler Soderstrom
Tyler Soderstrom had a breakout campaign for the Athletics a season ago, hitting 25 home runs with an .820 OPS on his way to a 3.8-WAR season, and he’s been even better this year. Over 87 games, he’s already recorded 2.5 WAR and is on pace for around 30 home runs.
There are some split concerns, however. At home, Soderstrom has a near-1.000 OPS, while on the road that number drops to .673. Still, he’d be an upgrade over what the Braves currently have in Dominic Smith and Mike Yastrzemski — even if the Braves would probably prefer to add a right-handed bat rather than another lefty.
—
Want more articles like this? Follow SportsTalkATL on MSN to see more of our exclusive MLB content.
More must-reads:
