The Atlanta Braves are 26-29. They are not out of postseason contention yet, and could be looking to add some pieces at the trade deadline if they see a path into October.
The Braves are 9 1/2 games out of the National League East lead, and 4 1/2 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Nick Allen has taken over as the team’s primary shortstop after Orlando Arcia struggled and was released. While Allen has played well, FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested the Braves target Ezequiel Tovar of the Colorado Rockies.
“The Braves desperately need to add an infielder this season, especially following Orlando Arcia leaving for a deal with the Colorado Rockies. With Arcia in Colorado, the Braves could look to land a deal for young infielder Ezequiel Tovar,” wrote Pressnell. “Tovar is slashing .274/.317/.416 in his age 23 season following a Gold Glove campaign in 2024. He would be quite expensive to acquire, but the Braves would benefit tremendously from adding him to their infield. If there’s one player the Braves should target at the deadline, it’s Tovar.”
Tovar won a Gold Glove Award in 2024 and hit 26 home runs. His power numbers are down this season, hitting just two home runs in 28 games, but he can still be an upgrade for the Braves.
Allen is slashing .243/.308/.271 and is clearly a better option than Arcia was. However, Tovar has more power and is a more consistent hitter. There is no question about his glove either.
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Adding Tovar would give the Braves depth by moving Allen to the bench and adding a reliable hitter to the lineup. Tovar signed a seven-year, $63 million contract before last season. He is under club control through 2031, so he would not be a cheap addition. However, he would give the Braves a shortstop for the foreseeable future.
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