Originally Posted by
Southcack77
I would say the most realistic winter acquisitions here are:
Pollock -- Braves were not willing to go 16 AAV on Brantley or Cutcheon. Pollock expected to exceed both in years in AAV. Draft pick attached as well and injury prone. This doesn't feel likely.
Merrifield -- Not an ideal fit as a LF, but versatile as hell and his OBP would seem to be a fit somewhere. Royals should be happy with what the Braves could offer, but the question is whether they are realistic about his trade value. If they value him like a breakout 5 WAR guy with lots of control, this deal does not make sense for Atlanta. If they are more realistic, it could be workable.
Peralta - Diamondbacks should be happy with what Braves have and don't have much incentive to keep him. But Braves did not like the price when they checked in. Watch him though.
Puig - you didn't mention him, but I don't think the Braves match up particularly well with the Dodgers as far as the return for the other guys. Seems like they would want something that upgraded the MLB team and it's difficult to see the Braves parting with the assets that would do that for them. But maybe the Dodgers would be happy to shed Puig's salary and take on a longer term asset in something of a dump.
Frazier - Yankees don't really have a spot for him, though I suppose they could hold him and move Gardiner. For either, they might be willing to take controllable pitching that could help their pen.
In-Season Deadline:
Corey Dickerson seems pretty obviously destined to move. The Pirates are not going to be in it. I could see them make this move in the winter, but don't see any obvious options for replacing him. I think the Pirates don't want to concede after making those odd moves at last year's deadline.
Sterling Marte - but when they do, might as well move Marte and/or Polonco if the market is right.
Ozuna - I consider him a long shot to be available, but if Cards fall out of it, they might see some reorganizing trades as something to do. Goldy, Carpenter, and maybe Ozuna might fit into that. But Ozuna's deal is pretty good and the Cards probably aren't going to be looking at full tear down.