The Atlanta Braves had already suffered multiple devastating injuries this season, losing Sean Murphy for several months and Spencer Strider for the season. However, Sunday’s Braves news that Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered an ACL tear is the most devastating of 2024.
While it does help that Murphy is closing in on a return to the Braves lineup, Sunday also marked the 13th consecutive game that All-Star third baseman Austin Riley has missed. Needless to say, Atlanta’s lineup is weak right now and it must find some help with its MVP hitter out for the year.
Related: Atlanta Braves game today, Braves schedule
- Atlanta Braves lineup stats: 232 runs scored (13th in MLB), .252 batting average (7th), .321 OBP (7th), .413 SLG (7th)
Let’s dive into a few Braves trade targets that the team could pursue following the Acuna injury.
Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics
One major difficulty with pursuing a trade this time of year, especially in the era of the expanded playoffs, is that fewer teams are willing to sell. Fortunately for Atlanta, the Oakland Athletics always have a “for sale” sign up and there is a clear target from the A’s lineup.
Related: Best baseball players of all time
If there was anyone left questioning if Brent Rooker’s breakout 2023 season (.817 OPS, 30 home runs, 127 wRC+) was legit, he’s backing it up this season. In his first 42 games, Rooker boasts a double-digit walk rate (10.3 percent), with a career-best slash line (.286/.368/.565). It will cost the Braves a little more to acquire him because he’s arbitration-eligible from 2025-’27, but that could prove beneficial with Marcell Ozuna only under contract through 2025 and Acuna recovering from ACL surgery.
Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels aren’t anywhere close to competing for a spot in the MLB postseason, so this is another team that Atlanta could call. We’re putting a bit of a priority on above-average hitters with multiple years of control, given Ozuna’s contract and Acuna’s injury history. Taylor Ward checks all the boxes.
Related: Longest home run ever, longest homers in 2024
Ward, age 30, is also arbitration-eligible from 2025-’26, making him a cost-effective option for the Braves’ front office. The right-handed hitter enters MLB games today with a .274/.330/.483 slash line, 11 home runs, 32 RBI and a 127 wRC+ in his first 224 plate appearances. Over the last three seasons as a member of the Angels lineup, Ward owns a .270/.348/.457 line with a 125 wRC+ and a ..83 OPS.
Mark Canha, Detroit Tigers
For a moment, it looked like the Detroit Tigers would be competing for a playoff spit this year. However, they’ve been one of the worst MLB teams in May and there are no signs a turnaround is anywhere close. So, Atlanta might as well make a call on Mark Canha’s availability.
Also Read: Worst MLB players 2024
Canha, age 35, would be one of the cheaper Braves trade targets to replace Acuna. He’s only a half-season rental, so Atlanta wouldn’t have to touch their top prospects to get him. What Canha can provide is a steady presence in the lineup (.244/.360/.407, .767 OPS) who can consistently get on base and work the count. He doesn’t have Acuna’s upside, not anywhere close, but Canha (.342 wOBA and 12.3% walk rate) and Acuna (.325 wOBA and 12.2% walk rate) were reaching base at a similar clip in 2024.
Tommy Pham, Chicago White Sox
Tommy Pham has already been floating around in MLB trade rumors this season with the Chicago White Sox ready to move him at any moment. Of all the Braves trade targets out there, Pham is easily the most realistic option and the player who could be acquired the fastest.
Related: Worst MLB contracts right now
In his age-36 season with next to no talent around him in the White Sox lineup, Pham is slashing .315/.361/459 with a 134 wRC+ and .821 OPS in 119 plate appearances. While Pham doesn’t walk a lot, he’s posted a .440-plus SLG over the last two seasons and he still can create a few extra run-scoring opportunities with his speed on the base paths. If Atlanta wants help this week, Pham is the guy.