3 Braves Prospects Who Could Still Be Dangled in Trade Talks for a Star Player
By Sam Dunn
The Atlanta Braves are reaping the benefits of their patient rebuild, riding the breakout success of former top prospects Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Mike Soroka to two straigth NL East division titles. Their pipeline has done anything but run dry, however, and if Brian Snitker and Co. decide that they really want to go for it and swoop in for a star player like Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado ahead of this year's trade deadline, there are some intriguing prospects they could use to put together a highly attractive package, starting with these three.
1. SS Braden Shewmake
A right-handed thrower who bats lefty, Braden Shewmake is the kind of shortstop prospect any team would love -- the question of his value in Atlanta comes down to whether or not Dansby Swanson can remain healthy for the long haul. If the Braves trust in Lieutenant Dans, Shewmake's uncommon plate discipline and 6-foot-4 frame will be attractive to trade partners.
2. LHP Tucker Davidson
A former 19th-round draft pick, Tucker Davidson has steadily emerged to become Atlanta's second-best left-handed pitching prospect. Rocking a 96 mph heater and a nifty, versatile breaking ball, he's still likely a year away from his big league debut -- but if he can develop one more pitch, his trade value will be easy to see.
3. RHP Kyle Wright
The highest-rated prospect on our list, Kyle Wright already has big league experience as a starter and enters 2020 as the No. 4-ranked player in Atlanta's pipeline, trailing only Ian Anderson among their pitchers. He rose through the minor league ranks seemingly at lightspeed, but couldn't match exciting stuff with sufficient command during his time in the bigs so far. He's 24 years old and behind Soroka and Bryse Wilson in the young pitcher pecking order in Atlanta, so he could be judged surplus to requirements by the time Anderson is MLB-ready.