The Braves plan to bolster their outfield before the trade deadline because Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the season. Currently, the question is who they would seek and if they want to bring in many players, similar to what happened in 2021 when Acuña sustained his first torn ACL.
Adding at least two more outfielders is the logical move. Adam Duvall has struggled significantly against right-handed pitchers this season. He isn’t suited for everyday play. While Jarred Kelenic has been one of the Braves’ top offensive performers recently, his inconsistent track record includes prolonged slumps. Depending on him to start every day without a contingency plan is very risky. Moreover, what if Michael Harris II suffers another injury after his return?
One acquisition won’t suffice. Among the outfielders potentially available before the trade deadline, ESPN’s Jeff Passan considers Lane Thomas of the Washington Nationals the most suitable option.
The Braves face a significant challenge in replacing Ronald Acuna Jr. following his season-ending ACL tear, reminiscent of their dilemma in 2021. Back then, rather than seeking a direct replacement for Acuna, Alex Anthopoulos opted for a collective approach, acquiring Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson, and Adam Duvall, a strategy that culminated in a World Series victory. Lane Thomas, the 28-year-old right fielder from Washington, emerges as a potential comprehensive solution this season. Despite the discomfort for Washington in trading Thomas to a division rival just six games ahead, his impending free agency after next season gives Atlanta flexibility to either retain him as insurance for Acuna or trade him in the offseason.
Despite Atlanta’s current offensive struggles, they anticipate a turnaround, bolstered by a rotation featuring Max Fried, Chris Sale, Charlie Morton, and Reynaldo Lopez, a solid bullpen, and a lineup potentially including Thomas, making them formidable alongside the NL’s three leading teams come October.
Thomas has posted a .241 batting average, eight home runs, and a .717 OPS across 49 games this season, with much of that production against the Braves, including a .344 average, two home runs, three doubles, and a triple in eight games. Against other opponents, Thomas has been less impactful, although his 2023 season included 28 homers and a .783 OPS, highlighting his potential value to Atlanta’s outfield.
However, relying solely on Thomas may not solve all of Atlanta’s outfield needs. If they pursue this direction, they will likely need to add multiple pieces. Furthermore, the willingness of Washington to trade Thomas to a division rival like the Braves, who are still in the playoff hunt and close in the standings, raises valid concerns. While Thomas fits Atlanta’s needs to some extent, the likelihood of such a match remains uncertain.