How Blockbuster Trade For Batting Champ Could Reignite Floundering Braves

The Atlanta Braves need to do something to turn their season around before it’s too late. Earlier this week, I pitched a hypothetical trade that would send Michael King and Luis Arráez to the Braves in exchange for a three-player return to the San Diego Padres.

Here are the full details of the hypothetical trade:

• Braves receive: RHP Michael King, INF Luis Arráez
• Padres receive: RHP Bryce Elder, RHP Hurston Waldrep, SS Nacho Alvarez Jr.

The Braves need to add a starting pitcher. That’s very clear. Michael King is one of the better options on the market, and he proved that in his most recent start. King tossed a complete game shutout earlier this week.

The Braves also need to add an infielder to replace Orlando Arcia. Adding Arráez would likely move Ozzie Albies over to shortstop while Arráez plays second base. He’d be a quality top of the lineup bat to pair next to Ronald Acuña Jr. when he returns.

Going to the Padres in this deal is the package of Bryce Elder, Hurston Waldrep, and Nacho Alvarez Jr.

Elder has looked bad over the last two years, and he likely needs a change of scenery. The Padres would be adding him in hopes that he can turn his career around in San Diego.

Alvarez would be the eventual replacement for Arráez in the infield, though the top prospect hasn’t proven he can play at the big league level yet.

Waldrep is blocked by pitching prospects in the Braves’ system, but he would have a much clearer shot at the big leagues in San Diego. He has the potential to step in and replace King for the Padres.

The Braves may need to add another prospect in order to make this a fair deal, but it seems pretty dead-even in terms of value.

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