The Atlanta Braves are trying to make a late push for the postseason. However, they could use some help in the outfield to make it into October.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could be very active at the deadline. Experts do not expect the Pirates to move on from Paul Skenes. However, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal revealed that Oneil Cruz is surprisingly available, as Skenes and veteran Andrew McCutchen are the only "untouchables."
"Ace right-hander Paul Skenes and franchise icon Andrew McCutchen are the Pirates’ only untouchables, according to officials briefed on the team’s plans," wrote Rosenthal.
With Oneil Cruz suddenly available, outfield-needy teams may start calling the Pirates. The Atlanta Braves should be getting Jurickson Profar back from his PED suspension, but he is not eligible to play in the postseason, should the Braves make it. The Braves are seven games back of a wild card spot, entering play on Sunday. BALLCAP Sports' Jim Riley proposed this trade that would bring Cruz to Atlanta:
- Braves receive: outfielder Oneil Cruz
- Pirates receive: pitcher Bryce Elder, pitcher JR Ritchie (Braves' No. 6 prospect) and outfielder Diego Tornes (Braves No. 15 prospect)
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Trading for Cruz will not be easy. He is a very talented player, and still has three years of club control. However, the Pirates could be open to trading him for multiple top prospects and big league help.
Meanwhile, the Braves would be able to field an outfield of Cruz, Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. It would create a logjam for next season with Profar, but with Marcell Ozuna entering free agency, the Braves could utilize the DH spot to get all four players in the lineup. Even if the Braves cannot make a postseason run this year, they would go into next season with Cruz.
Cruz may be having a down year offensively, but he has a career OPS of .753. He is currently leading the National League in stolen bases as well.
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