Braves-Twins trade pitch sends $100M disgruntled Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner to Atlanta

braves/news/braves-twins-trade-prediction-sends-100m-disgruntled-silver-slugger-gold-glove-winner-atlanta/652d4541c757f7e7a514484c?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=appeared_on">Braves-Twins trade pitch sends $100M disgruntled Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner to Atlanta originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Atlanta Braves are sitting atop all of Major League Baseball with 44 wins after winning another series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. The Braves have been the best team in baseball, but they would still like to add a few more pieces.

Atlanta is just another starter or two away from having the best rotation in baseball, and it is also looking for an impact bat in the outfield. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has hinted at being aggressive at the trade deadline.

“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I’m not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we’re playing the way we are right now, we’re going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.

For Atlanta, it is simply a matter of what will be available and what Anthopoulos is willing to give up. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly believes the Braves should pursue hometown star Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins.

“Even scarier would be if president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos finds a way to add an impact bat in left field. Would Buxton being willing to waive his no-trade clause—and potentially move to left field—if it meant chasing a World Series with his hometown team,” Kelly wrote.

It may ultimately come down to whether Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause, but he has reportedly had some issues with the Twins’ front office. That frustration with the organization could be what convinces him to approve a deal.

“It’s been months of upheavals for the Minnesota Twins and, because of roster changes, turnover in the dugout and front office, and an uncertain commitment level from ownership, the future is uncertain. That uncertainty hasn’t sat well with franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton, especially insofar as his future with the Twins is concerned,” CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry wrote.

Buxton would likely become the Braves’ primary left fielder and would solidify their outfield. Such a move would also likely allow Mauricio Dubón to return to shortstop on a more regular basis.

Buxton is on a $100 million contract, which is right in line with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s deal. An All-Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove winner, Buxton would give the Braves yet another dangerous addition to an already loaded lineup.