With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching, contenders are looking to boost their World Series hopes. One contender, the Atlanta Braves, could eye Oakland A’s Brent Rooker. With the injury of Ronald Acuna Jr the Braves have an open spot in their outfield. The Braves and A’s have a recent history of trades, with Matt Olson and Sean Murphy going from Oakland to Atlanta, so naturally Brent Rooker could be a good fit.
Rooker has been phenomenal this season, following up his all-star campaign last year. Rooker is hitting .294 with a .951 OPS. He lacks a bit defensively but his offensive production is so strong that the Braves will likely look past his defensive shortcomings. Rooker also brings three more years of team control, so he will be controllable for some time.
The A’s are looking for young pieces, and at 29, Rooker simply doesn’t fit their timeline. This opens the door for them to trade him away, and in return get a prospect haul to build with for the future.
What Would A Braves-Brent Rooker Trade Look Like?
The package could certainly be pitcher-heavy, as the Braves have plenty of pitching prospects to move. Their top four prospects and six of their top nine are pitchers. They also drafted pitcher Cam Caminiti in the first round. This gives them a surplus of pitchers to move.
One prospect that would be of strong interest to the A’s, is AJ Smith-Shawver. Smith-Shawver is the Braves top-ranked prospect and the number 67 prospect in baseball. This would be a massive get for the A’s, who could use the young pitcher to anchor their rotation for the future. The young right-hander is near MLB-ready, fitting the A’s timeline well.
Another young pitching prospect could be included. JR Ritchie is the Braves third-ranked prospect. He’s still a few years away from the majors, but he has tremendous upside. The A’s have had success developing some pitchers, so Ritchie could flourish in their development system.
The Braves have a hole in their outfield, and a Brent Rooker trade could fill it. If they do make this trade, this could be the potential package.
Potential Trade
Atlanta Braves Receive: Brent Rooker
Oakland A’s Receive: AJ Smith-Shawver, JR Ritchie
