The Braves started the 2024 season strong, with a 19-9 record in April despite early struggles from pitchers Spencer Strider and Max Fried. However, Strider’s need for UCL surgery and All-Star catcher Sean Murphy’s injury after one game added to the team’s woes. Despite these setbacks, Max Fried regained his form, and unexpected standout performances from Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez kept the team competitive.
May saw a downturn for Atlanta, ending the month with a 13-14 record. The Braves’ offense, once dominant, faltered, leading to a current 35-30 record by June 13, and a five-game losing streak—their longest since 2017. They trail the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies, who boast a 46-21 record, by ten games.
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June has been especially tough, with a 3-7 record and losses to teams like the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, teams they were expected to outperform. The season took a significant hit when Ronald Acuna Jr. tore his ACL, forcing the Braves to adjust their outfield strategy.
Adam Duvall, initially part of a platoon plan with Jarred Kelenic, has excelled against left-handers but struggled mightily against right-handed pitchers. Kelenic, with a .258 average, has performed well enough to warrant more regular play but hasn’t completely filled the void left by Acuna.
MLB Insider Links Braves to Major Trade Target
To address this gap, MLB insider Jon Heyman has linked the Braves to a potential trade for Luis Robert Jr., a top outfield talent the White Sox are reportedly willing to move. This connection is somewhat surprising given the unexpected need to replace Acuna and the Braves’ offensive struggles this season.
Robert Jr., currently on a 6-year, $50 million deal with options that could extend the contract’s value to $88 million, would be a significant addition. His $12.5 million salary for 2024 matches Acuna’s, making him a feasible financial fit for the Braves.
Despite a slow start to 2024, batting .196 with six homers and nine RBIs in 15 games, Robert’s potential remains high. Last season, he hit .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, earning a Silver Slugger and an All-Star nod. His career numbers, including a .278 average and 80 home runs, highlight his offensive capabilities, though his high strikeout rate is a concern.
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Evaluating the Trade Cost and Impact
Acquiring Robert Jr. would likely require a substantial trade package, including top prospects like AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, Nacho Alvarez Jr., and Drake Baldwin, alongside MLB-ready talent. Given their less-than-deep farm system, the Braves must weigh this cost against the potential benefits.
While internal options exist to cover Duvall’s struggles, the loss of Acuna and the need for a spark could make trading for Robert the Braves’ best move at the deadline. With Marcell Ozuna’s contract expiring, Atlanta has the financial flexibility to consider this high-stakes acquisition, which might be the key to reviving their season and making a deep postseason run.
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