As the Atlanta Braves’ postseason hopes continue to fade, they are expected to have plenty of star players available at the trade deadline.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Chris Sale, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Sean Murphy and Matt Olson are all under club control past this season, and could be difference-makers for contenders. However, the Braves are not looking to start a rebuild by trading them for prospects at this time, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“Atlanta are making DH Marcell Ozuna, reliever Raisel Iglesias and a few others available at the deadline, but they have no intention to trade any player under a multi-year contract, at least not until this winter,” wrote Nightengale.
Sale is currently on the injured list, and has a club option for next season, but Alex Anthopoulos has already noted the team will not trade him. The team also has reportedly shut down the idea of an Acuña trade.
Albies, Olson, Murphy and Riley are all under club control for multiple seasons. They also have All-Star selections under their belt and could be great additions for contenders. However, the Braves have been consistent in saying that the results of this season will not force them to panic and destroy their core.
Perhaps this is just a down season and the Braves will get back on track next year. However, by not entertaining offers for at least players with limited club control, they could be setting themselves up for struggles in the future as well.
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