Nationals All-Star Surprisingly Linked to Braves; Should Atlanta Prepare Offer?

The Atlanta Braves could be on the verge of adding outfield depth to their roster before the deadline.

With a 47-38 record, Atlanta leads the National League wild-card race Friday and has every reason to believe it can contend for a World Series championship this season.

The Braves have plenty of talent, even after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. for the rest of the year. As July 30 approaches, Atlanta is looking to surround that talent with one or two pieces to ensure the Braves are a well-oiled machine in September.

Atlanta is looking to add a starting pitcher, as has been reported, but the Braves are also looking for reinforcements on offense.

One name that has surprisingly come up in connection with Atlanta is Jesse Winker of the Washington Nationals. In a July 5 article, MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand cited the Braves and Twins as potential candidates for Winker, who was a 2021 All-Star for the Cincinnati Reds.

“The recent promotion of top prospect James Wood could spell the end of Winker’s time in Washington, whether the Nationals become big sellers or not,” Feinsand said. “The 30-year-old is having a solid season (nine homers, 38 RBIs, .787 OPS in 83 games), and his excellent June (.304/.421/.430) could give the Nats a piece of the mix to improve this year’s team or land a prospect or two. Winker makes $2 million this year and will be a free agent after the season.”

Winker appears to be in great form at the plate, and a trade to a title contender would likely galvanize him for increased production.

Atlanta will have to juggle a handful of possible trades in the coming weeks. Will Winker be part of the Braves’ ultimate plan?

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