Injuries to Albies, Fried underscore need for Braves to be buyers at trade deadline

THE Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Cardinals are not having a great start to the season after the All-Star break. After losing two of three home games to the St. Louis Cardinals, things have only gotten worse for Atlanta.

Additionally, after losing the starting pitcher Max Fried On the 15-day injured list, the Braves learned that Ozzie Albies would be out for two months. That information comes from a team already depleted in the outfield due to injuries.

Manager Brian Snitker’s club doesn’t appear to have any respite from injuries in 2024, but the team continues to battle and find replacements. However, its scouting system and minor league components are short on quality options to replace the multitude of injured stars.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos will have his work cut out for him with just nine days left until the MLB trade deadline. Improving the struggling roster and adding an arm to the rotation will be the Braves’ top priorities now.

What can the Braves do to replace Ozzie Albies and Max Fried in the short term?

There’s no easy way to replace the three-time All-Star at second base long-term, but Nacho Alvarez Jr., the team’s top prospect at the position, will get a chance to replace him first. Alvarez Jr. has been on fire this season at shortstop, and the Braves are hoping he can be a spark at second base. But there’s optimism he can replicate Albies’ offensive production, making another hitter a must-have.

As for Fried, he still has some big issues to work out as one of the team’s top pitchers. While Spencer Schwellenbach has been impressive, he still has some adjustments to make as a rookie. Atlanta will undoubtedly have to hit the trade market to find a starting pitcher, if not two.

While Ian Anderson And AJ Smith-Shawver As they slowly return to the major league level after injuries, the team needs a proven veteran option in the rotation, such as Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet.

As BravesSI has already mentioned, there is many options to deal with the arms. The team needs to get into a “buy” mindset at this league’s deadline given the team’s injuries in the infield, outfield and starting rotation. Sure, the team will have to give up a few potential prospects, but such is the nature of winning in times when your back is against the wall, figuratively speaking.