4 Atlanta Braves trade targets to replace Ronald Acuña Jr, including All-Star slugger

The Atlanta Braves had already suffered multiple devastating injuries this season, losing Sean Murphy for several months and Spencer Strider for the season. However, Sunday’s Braves news that Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered a torn ACL is the most devastating of 2024.

While it helps that Murphy is closing in on a return to the Braves lineup, Sunday also marked the 13th straight game that All-Star third baseman Austin Riley has missed. Needless to say, Atlanta’s roster is weak right now and they need to find some help with their MVP hitter for the year.

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Let’s look at some Braves trade goals the team could pursue after Acuna’s injury.

Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics

One of the major difficulties with pursuing a trade this time of year, especially in the era of expanded playoffs, is that fewer teams are willing to sell. Fortunately for Atlanta, the Oakland Athletics still have a “for sale” listing and there is a clear target among the A’s roster.

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If there was anyone wondering if Brent Rooker’s (.817 OPS, 30 homers, 127 wRC+) 2023 season was legit, he’s backing him this season. Through his first 42 games, Rooker posted a double-digit walk rate (10.3%), with a career-best slash line (.286/.368/.565). It will cost the Braves a little more to acquire him because he is arbitration eligible from 2025-2027, but that could prove beneficial with Marcell Ozuna only under contract through 2025 and Acuna recovering from surgery of the ACL.

Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels aren’t close to competing for an MLB playoff spot, so that’s another team Atlanta could call. We’re placing some priority on above-average hitters with multiple years of control, given Ozuna’s contract and Acuna’s injury history. Taylor Ward checks all the boxes.

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Ward, 30, is also arbitration eligible from 2025 to 2026, making him a cost-effective option for the Braves front office. The right-handed hitter enters MLB games today with a .274/.330/.483 slash line, 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and a 127 wRC+ through his first 224 plate appearances. Over the past three seasons as a member of the Angels’ roster, Ward owns a .270/.348/.457 line with a 125 wRC+ and a ..83 OPS.

Mark Canha, Detroit Tigers

For a moment, it looked like the Detroit Tigers would be competing for a playoff spot this year. However, they have been one of the worst teams in MLB in May and there is no indication that a turnaround is near. So, Atlanta might as well make use of Mark Canha’s availability.

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Canha, 35, would be one of the Braves’ cheaper trade targets to replace Acuna. He’s only a half-season rental, so Atlanta wouldn’t have to hit their top prospects to get him. What Canha can provide is a consistent presence in the lineup (.244/.360/.407, .767 OPS) who can consistently get on base and make the count. He doesn’t have Acuna’s upside, nowhere near it, but Canha (0.342 wOBA and 12.3% walk rate) and Acuna (0.325 wOBA and 12.2% walk rate) were reaching the basis at a similar rate in 2024.

Tommy Pham, Chicago White Sox

Tommy Pham has already been circulating in MLB trade rumors this season, with the Chicago White Sox ready to move him at any time. Of all the Braves’ trade targets, Pham is by far the most realistic option and the player who could be acquired the quickest.

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In his age-36 season with almost no talent around him in the White Sox lineup, Pham slashed .315/.361/459 with a 134 wRC+ and .821 OPS in 119 plate appearances. Although Pham doesn’t walk much, he’s posted a SLG over .440 over the past two seasons and he can still create a few extra-score opportunities with his speed on the basepaths. If Atlanta wants help this week, Pham is the guy.