The Atlanta Braves will be making some moves at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Could some of the help come from the Colorado Rockies?
With the Rockies and Braves squaring off this weekend at Truist Park, it's a good chance for Atlanta to get an up close and personal look at some of the Colorado players who could make an impact for them in a potential trade.
Yes, the Rockies should actually be active at the MLB trade deadline, especially with some players performing well and on expiring contracts. With that in mind, let's look at three possible trade candidates for the Braves to consider.
Atlanta Braves rumors: Randal Grichuk of the Colorado Rockies
Grichuk is in the final year of a five-year, $52 million deal and should be one of the players the Rockies move at the trade deadline. The 31-year-old outfielder is in the midst of a solid season, slashing .307/.373/.438 with an OPS+ of 110. As will be the case with the Rockies, Braves fans will want to know what he has done away from Coors Field … and Grichuk has put together good numbers on the road this season, slashing .262/.329/.354 with more home runs (one … yes, he doesn't hit for a lot of power) and RBI (nine on the road versus five in Denver).
He didn't make his season debut until April 29 because of offseason because of hernia surgery, but he is fully healthy and making an impact in the Colorado lineup. He's also had a reputation for his outfield defense, and he's done a more than adequate job roaming the vast outfield in Denver.
Grichuk can play all three outfield positions, making him a versatile option for the Braves.
Atlanta Braves trade target: Jurickson Profar of the Colorado Rockies
Like Grichuk, Profar is in the final (and only) year of his Rockies contract, having signed a one-year, $7.75 million deal late in spring training. It took some time for the 30-year-old switch hitter to get his timing down after an odd spring training (World Baseball Classic, late signing with the Rockies, travel issues getting to San Diego to begin the season with the club) as Profar slashed just .207/.297/.324 in his first 29 games of the season. However, since then, Profar has been what the Rockies needed in a leadoff hitter, slashing .281/.347/.453 in 32 games since May 7.
Profar has shown this season that he can get on base and set the table for the rest of the Colorado offense, piecing together a career-high 37 game on-base streak between April 15 and May 30. That is the longest streak in MLB this season and the seventh-longest streak in Rockies history (and the longest streak by a Colorado player since DJ LeMahieu reached in 38 straight in 2016). During that stretch, he slashed .257/.341/.405.
If the Braves need more production out of their outfield, Profar is a guy who can provide that. His defense has been a bit shaky this season (minus-8 Outs Above Average), so there is a bit of a warning sign there. However, what he brings to the offense could be enough to overshadow that.
Atlanta Braves trade target: Daniel Bard of the Colorado Rockies
With the recent injury to Jesse Chavez and Atlanta's bullpen having some up and down moments this season, bringing in a veteran like Daniel Bard could be exactly what the Braves need.
Now, there are two big caveats here. First, the Rockies absolutely love Bard and what he brings to the team, so parting with him won't be easy. His comeback story is one for the ages, and he's done it again this season, overcoming a stint on the injured list because of anxiety to become one of the best relievers in all of baseball. Entering play on Wednesday, he has a 0.87 ERA in 20.2 innings of work. Bard has been able to work himself out of some jams this season so far, which is why his FIP sits at 5.21 and his WHIP is at 1.452, so his luck may eventually run out on him. However it hasn't yet.
That 0.87 ERA, by the way, is the lowest in MLB (minimum of 20 appearances). He's only been scored upon twice in 20 appearances.
The second caveat is that he still has a year left on a two-year, $19 million deal, so Colorado will absolutely need some kind of big deal to blow them away and deal the 37-year-old right-hander. However, if the Braves want to boost the back end of the bullpen, Bard would be the perfect candidate to do just that.