Albies to SS? The Athletic’s Jim Bowden dismisses Wild Atlanta Braves trade

Commercial machines and rumors are multiplying rapidly for the Atlanta Braves before next month’s trade deadline – perhaps a little too soon. With the team launch With the team carrying and receiving injury reinforcements, indications are that general manager Alex Anthopoulos could lean toward targeting offensive help in the coming weeks.

LEARN MORE: 5 Potential Trade Targets for the Atlanta Braves

Some trade proposals are a little more outlandish than others. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden was presented with one such idea for the Braves, which he wasn’t a huge fan of.

Question: “Would Jazz Chisholm (2022 All-Star) fit in Atlanta as a left-handed platoon partner with Adam Duvall and as an offensive upgrade at shortstop against lefties? Full-time shortstop next season when Ronald Acuña Jr. returns?” — Kenny T.

Answer: “I’m a fan of Chisholm, but I think his best position is second base, and if I were Atlanta, I’d have no problem moving Ozzie Albies to shortstop because he’s also a better defender at that position. I like Chisholm’s fit with the Braves and I think their clubhouse culture would do him a world of good. I’m just not sure the Braves’ farm system is a good fit with the Marlins’, based on conversations I’ve had with front office.” – Jim Bowden said.

There is a lot to like about this trade. First of all, Jazz Chisholm is a great player. However, he is a member of the Miami Marlins. As a division rival, one would expect the asking price to be higher, especially for a player of Chisholm’s caliber.

The 26-year-old Marlins star is on pace for one of the best seasons of his career, posting a .259 batting average, .323 OBP and 14 stolen bases just before the halfway point of the season.

Second, the potential trade could have a significant impact on the team, raising concerns among fans and analysts. best hope In exchange, they would have to send a player or two. Miami could get one of Atlanta’s top prospects at midfield, sixth-ranked prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr., or seventh-ranked prospect Jose Perdomo.

Ultimately, the gist of this trade is that the Braves would have to find the right position for the Jazz for it to make sense. Moving Ozzy Albies to shortstop wouldn’t be a good idea, as his arm hasn’t generally been considered shortstop-worthy. It begs the question, then, whether Chisholm’s offense is more valuable than Orlando Arcia’s defense at the most crucial defensive position on the field.

Overall, the deal feels like Atlanta put a square peg in a round hole and gave up a lot of prospects in the process. If the team were to give up a top prospect, it would have to address the outfield before the infield. While Chisolm can play the outfield, he is not an outfielder.