Braves seen as 'potential fit' for red-hot Angels outfielder on trade block

Patrick McAvoy

Braves seen as 'potential fit' for red-hot Angels outfielder on trade block image

The 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline will be here in about six weeks and the Atlanta Braves are expected to be active. 

Atlanta continues to find ways to win games despite a plethora of injuries and currently is 11 games above .500 with an impressive 43-32 record. The Braves have been bitten by the injury bug in a major way this season but still find themself as one of the top contenders in the National League.

The Braves could improve their chances with a move or two around the trade deadline and one area that could use a little more depth is the outfield with Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season. 

One player who Atlanta is viewed as a "potential fit" for is Kevin Pillar, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

"Taylor Ward’s name is often mentioned as a trade candidate, but with two years of arbitration eligibility remaining, it will take a lot to pry him away from the Angels," Feinsand said. "Pillar, on the other hand, is owed only the league minimum. He will be a free agent after the season, and while the 35-year-old’s best days are behind him, he’s had a resurgence since joining Los Angeles, posting a .959 OPS with six homers and 25 RBIs in 33 games. Potential fits: Braves, (Baltimore Orioles), (and) (Detroit Tigers)."

Pillar struggled out of the gate with the Chicago White Sox but has been fantastic since joining the Angels. In 34 games in Los Angeles, Pillar has slashed .321/.372/.563 with six home runs and 25 RBIs. 

He already has experience playing in Atlanta in 2023 and could make a lot of sense for the club.

More MLB: Braves linked to red-hot ex-Yankees slugger as trade deadline candidate

Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy Photo

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.