The Trade That Could Change the Course of MLB History: Braves’ Proposed Trade Would Send Shockwaves Through…

The Atlanta Braves are always lurking at this time of year. They might not make the biggest splash signings, but one way or another, Alex Anthopoulos makes his impact.

Last year, the Braves acquired starting pitcher Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox, the eventual Cy Young winner in the National League. This year, Atlanta could be looking to make a splash on the other side of the ball, after their slumping offense kept them out of the postseason.

Ronald Acuña Jr. will be back and Michael Harris II isn’t going anywhere, but the Braves struggled mightily to find a full-time left fielder in 2024. Jarred Kelenic, another trade acquisition from last winter, was wildly inconsistent, which may lead Anthopoulos to seek a replacement.

As trade targets go, Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros would be the end-all, be-all if he is indeed available this winter. Astros general manager Dana Brown stoked that fire on Monday by saying anyone could be available in trade negotiations when asked specifically about Tucker.

On Tuesday, John Buhler of FanSided proposed a wild trade that would acquire Tucker from the Astros in exchange for Kelenic, pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver, and catcher Drake Baldwin. The latter two are considered two of the top five prospects in Atlanta’s organization.

“For Atlanta, the Braves add the all-star-caliber player it needs to attempt to have a positive offseason. The idea of Anthopoulos extending Tucker immediately upon arrival is quite good,” Buhler said.

“Kelenic is a mega-talent, but is streaky as hell and as inconsistent as they come as an outfielder. Since Atlanta does not want to trade Hurston Waldrep, give the Astros AJ Smith-Shawver instead. To really sweeten the deal, Drake Baldwin makes it a trio going to Houston.”

With Tucker on the Braves, Atlanta would have their starting outfield penciled in for nearly every game next season. Acuña or Tucker could easily play lockdown defense in Truist Park’s left field, giving them a strong defensive core surrounding Harris in center.

Tucker is only under contract for one more year, so trading for him would also be highly contingent on making sure the Braves could extend him–another Anthopoulos special. Spotrac currently projects Tucker for a seven-year, $195 million contract.

Can Atlanta both trade for Tucker and extend him before Opening Day dawns upon Truist Park? It might be a stretch, but it’s never wise to rule anything out of reach for Anthopoulos.