5 transfers to strengthen the squad in the second half, including Brent Rooker

On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves hit the panic button and called an unexpected team meeting. The moment is another sign that the organization needs to make significant changes soon if it hopes to become a legitimate playoff contender down the road.

This is one of the most frustrating seasons for the Atlanta Braves in a long time. No, they are not a disastrous team that has played well below average and is near the bottom of the National League East standings. No, they enter today’s MLB games as the frontrunners in the wild card race.

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But this is a far cry from the Braves of old. Stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider are out for the season. And they’re dealing with injuries to a few other players, including a broken wrist to second baseman Ozzie Albies.

Unsurprisingly, they struggled coming out of the All-Star break, and that obviously had players in the Braves locker room worried. On Tuesday night, Athleticism Atlanta reporter David O’Brien reported that “the Braves are currently holding a team meeting. It’s highly unusual for them to have a team meeting at this time before a game.”

Clearly, Atlanta tried to regroup and prevent the momentum from going in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, they failed to do so and lost for the third straight day, this time to the Reds by a score of 4-1. The organization needs to make at least a few moves before the MLB trade deadline on July 30. Here are four logical targets on the current trade market.

Related: Atlanta Braves reportedly interested in trading for division rival star

5 Atlanta Braves Trade Targets to Bolster Roster for Second Half

Tyler Anderson

The Atlanta Braves need to upgrade their roster for 2024, but it’s also not a bad idea to look to the future. That’s why Los Angeles Angels ace Tyler Anderson should be an option. The 34-year-old is having one of the best seasons of his career and the two-time All-Star is on the shelf for next season at a very affordable $15 million. He could make a big impact this season and be a backup plan if they lose Max Fried to free agency and Charlie Morton to retirement this winter.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Miami Marlins star Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been linked to the Braves for weeks, and it almost seems like a trade is necessary. The former All-Star can play multiple positions. He’s just 26 and under team control for two more seasons. There are few candidates more suited to the team on this year’s trade market.

Thomas Lane

The Washington Nationals are expected to be sellers before July 30, and the Braves have reportedly been fans of outfielder Lane Thomas for some time. The 28-year-old would be a solid addition that would provide depth to the outfield and some added dynamism to the batting order. He wouldn’t cost much and is signed for another season at an affordable rate.

Erik Fedde

While there’s been a lot of talk about star pitcher Garrett Crochet being traded to the Chicago White Sox, it’s more likely that teammate Erick Fedde will be traded. The veteran pitcher is having a breakout year and would be an affordable option to bolster the rotation. Assuming he hits his prime and pitches like that in the coming seasons, his $7.5 million contract in 2025 is a steal.

Brent Rooker

It’s unclear whether the Oakland Athletics would actually trade young, talented All-Star Brent Rooker. But if they’re willing to entertain offers, he seems like a perfect fit for the Atlanta Braves. He was snubbed by the All-Stars this month and is having an even better season than last year.

The 29-year-old is a bona fide slugger who is on pace to hit 40-plus home runs this season. Plus, he’s under team control for three more seasons. He’s a player worth giving up a few top prospects for.