4 Atlanta Braves Players Who Won’t Survive With 40-Man Roster After MLB Trade Deadline

Alex Anthopoulos is somewhat of a victim of his own success while the expectations of Atlanta Braves fans are sky high. The 2021 trade deadline is the expectation of many fans who are hoping for a repeat. Despite consistently losing key pieces this season, Atlanta remains in a great playoff position.

The team’s turnover was a surprise in the best way, leaving the team looking for an offensive boost. Adding the right pieces at the deadline could make this team a World Series contender. Even without reigning MVP and flamethrower Spencer Strider, this team could pose a huge threat.

However, this means a willingness to part ways with current pieces and replace players who aren’t doing their job. Even if the Braves general manager is unable to match his 2021 magic, action will be taken. With these moves, it is understood that current pieces will be moved or dropped from the active list. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the players most likely to be sent away or looking for a new landing spot after the trade deadline.

Since joining the Braves, Anderson has only collected 5 ABs and has yet to have a hit. Based on Snitker’s management of the outfield, it’s clear that Anderson will be the first ejected. Atlanta’s most likely moves will occur in the outfield. That means losing at least two outfielders from the current roster.

Michael Harris II will return at some point this season despite an uncertain future. Atlanta will move on from at least two, maybe three outfielders. Anderson will be at the top of the list and is unlikely to remain on the roster past the trade deadline.

Despite this, Anderson has solid depth that the team could look to retain given his recent injury history.

It’s less about Zack Short and more about Orlando Arcia’s inability at the plate. The Braves magic has worn off for the starting shortstop. The DH rule seems forgotten for Atlanta with Arcia producing at the level of a pitcher at the plate.

How long can his elite defense cover the self-assuredness he has become at the plate? Whether it’s adding a veteran to start or calling up his top prospect at the position, it’s time to make a move.

Short won’t be on the roster after the trade deadline unless Arcia’s bat catches fire. You simply can’t have two utility infielders on the active roster who are offensive liabilities. Orlando Arcia has proven to be a bargain and is an elite defender, but you can’t keep giving him 3-4 AB every night if this is the level of production moving forward. Arcia still has value as a bench piece, but his downfall will come at the expense of Short.

The Braves will have to choose between Wall, Anderson and Laureano. It’s possible the team adds two outfielders and Harris’ return demotes all three players. However, it seems more likely that Atlanta will make a significant addition to the outfield and wait for Harris to return.

This leaves Wall as a strange man. Snitker’s management suggests that the staff and team have more confidence in Laureano. Whether it’s his use as a defensive replacement or the recent increase in offensive production, the veteran’s place on the team seems the least precarious of the three.

Wall earned a spot on this team during spring training, but for some reason he didn’t get a chance. This seems unlikely to change with the addition of trade deadlines demoting Wall and Anderson.

Grant Holmes is easy to find and was a fun story. However, looking at the current bullpen, it’s fair to expect Holmes to be the first player moved. Atlanta’s rotation has solidified and with the imminent return of Ian Anderson, it’s unlikely a decision will be made there.

However, it would be more than fair to expect the Braves general manager to consider bringing in a veteran out of the bullpen. Pitchers are the strength of this team and if the opportunity presents itself, Atlanta will add an arm that they hope will become relevant in the playoffs. The Braves relied on a strong bullpen in the 2021 playoffs, don’t be shocked if they look to do the same in 2024.