Could Braves revisit this trade deadline idea in the offseason?

There are plenty of marquee free agents set to hit the open market who could fill the Braves’ various needs, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Alex Anthopoulos is unlikely to hand out the kind of money required to land one of the big names.

The Braves’ general manager has no choice but to be active this offseason after one of the more disappointing campaigns in franchise history. Significant moves are coming, but they’re far more likely to come via trade than free agency. To date, the largest free agent contract Anthopoulos has given out remains the four-year, $65 million deal to Marcell Ozuna — nearly five years ago. These days, that kind of money won’t even secure a middle-of-the-rotation arm.

In contrast, Alex Anthopoulos has made a number of blockbuster acquisitions through trade — Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Chris Sale, to name a few.

This winter, the Braves’ top priorities revolve around shortstop and pitching — both the rotation and the bullpen. But that’s not where the list ends, especially with designated hitter Marcell Ozuna likely headed to free agency. Atlanta will need to add another impact bat, and they could revisit trade talks that started earlier this year.

According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Braves were among several teams that inquired about Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton at the trade deadline. Talks never advanced, however, as Buxton refused to waive his no-trade clause for any team.

When healthy, Buxton is one of the best players in baseball. He posted a 4.9 WAR season in just 61 games back in 2021 — that’s not a typo. Unfortunately, health has always been the issue. He’s played in over 100 games just three times in his 11-year career, but he did play in 126 games this season, the most since 2017.

If Buxton remains unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, those discussions won’t go anywhere, but the idea itself makes plenty of sense. With Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ongoing health concerns and Jurickson Profar struggling defensively in left field, the Braves could use another quality outfielder rather than a strict designated hitter. Fortunately, several outfielders around the league could become available this winter, giving Anthopoulos multiple potential trade paths to explore.

It’s likely the route Atlanta will take. The only question is — who will their next big target be?

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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire

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