With the MLB trade deadline looming, these three former Braves could become available as Atlanta looks to fortify for a World Series run.
The Braves have dealt with a frustrating wave of injuries this year but they're still at the top of the NL East and gunning for second World Series triumph in three years.
To go all the way Atlanta knows they will have to add some reinforcements before the MLB trade deadline. That was a key element to their 2021 championship. Replicating the impact of those savvy additions would be essential to another.
There will be options from all around the league but what about some names that are already near and dear to the hearts of Braves fans?
Former Atlanta Braves who could be available at trade deadline: Joc Pederson
Joc Pederson made pearls all the rage in Atlanta in 2021 as he helped the Braves reach World Series glory. But he was only with the team for half of a season before moving on in free agency to the Giants.
A season and change later, Pederson is due for free agency again and San Francisco has reasons to ship him off rather than watch him walk away for nothing.
The Giants are in third place in the NL West and may be more likely to get in a tangle with the Padres for fourth place than to challenge the Diamondbacks for second or the Dodgers for first.
If they SF does become sellers at the deadline, the Braves at least have to ponder the idea of bringing back Pederson. Trading for him midseason worked once before after all.
Former Atlanta Braves who could be available at trade deadline: Jorge Soler
Like Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler was a midseason addition that propelled the Braves to a World Series victory in 2021. And like Pederson, he found his way elsewhere via free agency, landing with the Miami Marlins.
Soler has found his groove with the Marlins this year, slashing .259/.333/.566 with 16 home runs already. He's come on particularly strong in May, prompting dreams of a trade to a World Series contender. That's because he has a player option after this season and is almost certain to opt out in search of a bigger deal.
Miami is in third place in the NL East and just like the Giants they'll have to decide whether to cash in on their more intriguing assets at the deadline. More often than not, they've been sellers.
Executing a trade between the Marlins and Braves within the division is the tricky part.
It may not be the most realistic scenario, but if presented with the opportunity, Atlanta would have to look at getting Soler back as very tempting. Keeping him out of the Mets hands would be a bonus.
Alex Wood
While Joc Pederson and Jorge Soler were integral parts of recent Braves success, it's been awhile since Alex Wood pitched for Atlanta.
The Braves drafted Wood out of Georgia and enjoyed his first two seasons in the big leagues before trading him away to the Dodgers in 2015. The three-team trade netted them Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez and Zachary Bird.
Wood got his lone All-Star nod in Los Angeles but they eventually traded him to the Reds only to bring him back in 2020. That's how he ended up with a World Series ring, serving as a relief pitcher more often than as a starter.
Over the last three years with the Giants he's had ups and downs, going 10-4 in 2021 with an ERA of 3.83 in 2021 only to follow it up with an 8-12 record and 5.10 ERA in 2022.
Now Wood could be a coveted left-hander on the market with unrestricted free agency looming.
The Braves need another arm in their rotation given the injury issues that have hit this year. Perhaps a reunion is in order.
