Braves linked to Angels slugger as option to fill biggest roster hole

Braves linked to Angels slugger as option to fill biggest roster hole

The Atlanta Braves likely will be one of the most active teams in baseball over the next few weeks.

The 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline is just about a month away and the Braves could use a boost in the outfield. Atlanta lost superstar slugger Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season but it still has a chance to compete for a World Series title.

Atlanta is one of the deepest teams in baseball and if it were to add to the outfield this summer, there is a real chance that the club could do something special.

A handful of players have been linked to the Braves and one who could make a lot of sense for the club is Los Angeles Angels slugger Taylor Ward. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter put together a list of 10 "fresh" trade ideas and linked the two sides together.

"To ATL: (Outfielder) Taylor Ward, To LAA: (Right-handed pitcher) JR Ritchie (No. 5 ATL prospect), (Right-handed pitcher) Allan Winan," Reuter said. "After a breakout 2022 season, outfielder Taylor Ward took a step backward last year when he missed significant time following a hit-by-pitch to the face that resulted in facial fractures and sidelined him from July 29 through the end of the year.

"The 30-year-old has bounced back nicely this season, posting a 116 OPS+ with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, and 41 RBI with 1.6 WAR in 76 games. With club control through the 2026 season, the Angels don't need to trade him unless they get the return they are seeking, but selling high now makes sense for a team that needs a wide-scale rebuild."

Ward certainly would help the Braves out. He has 14 home runs and has driven in 41 runs so far this season. If the Braves could land him, they would be in good shape.

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