The MLB trade deadline is going exactly how the Atlanta Braves could have dreamed of with this one team reportedly being sellers.
There have been two huge dominoes to fall ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The first was outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who was traded to the New York Yankees. Then, perhaps the biggest move thus far, the Seattle Mariners acquiring starting pitcher Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds in a deal that sent them three of their top five prospects. Now, with the deadline taking place on Aug. 2, teams have made their decisions on whether they are buyers or sellers.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the San Francisco Giants are “now listening on their veterans.” The two names that the MLB insider points out are starting pitcher Carlos Rodon and outfielder Joc Pederson.
The latter of which is good news for the Atlanta Braves, who have the chance to bring back a trade deadline acquisition from a year ago that helped them win a World Series.
Braves have chance to bring back Joc Pederson
It just so happens that Atlanta is in need of an outfielder. Adam Duvall is done for the season after he underwent wrist surgery.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand noted earlier in the day that the team was indeed looking for an outfielder at the deadline, and listed Pederson as a potential option. But at the time of the tweet, Feinsand said the Giants had not decided to sell. A lot can change in a matter of hours.
Pederson was brought in last season by the Braves after Ronald Acuna Jr. was ruled out for the 2021 campaign after tearing his ACL. In his time with Atlanta, Pederson slashed .249/.325/.428 while recording 7 home runs, 22 RBI, and 43 hits in 64 regular-season games. In the postseason, Pederson recorded a .205 batting average, a .680 OPS, 3 home runs and 9 RBI in 15 games.
In 87 games this year with the Giants, Pederson posted a slash-line of .242/.319/.492, 17 home runs, 43 RBI, and 61 hits. Pederson was named a starter in the MLB All-Star Game.
While Pederson may be available, it will be interesting to see if the Braves actually try to bring him back for their World Series title defense.