The Atlanta Braves did not meet expectations in 2024. They could be aggressive this winter in trying to build a roster that can get them back to the World Series.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden broke down this trade proposal that sends Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner to the Braves in a five-player deal:
- Braves receive: outfielder Cody Bellinger and infielder Nico Hoerner
- Cubs receive: shortstop Orlando Arcia, outfielder Jarred Kelenic and right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep
The Braves need to upgrade from Arcia and Hoerner could be that player. He won a Gold Glove at second base in 2023. He made 128 starts at shortstop in 2022 for the Cubs.
Arcia took a huge step down from his All-Star season in 2023 last season. Hoerner had a .273 average with a .708 OPS. Meanwhile, Bellinger gives the Braves an upgrade over Kelenic from the left side of the plate.
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal late last offseason. The deal included player options after each of the first two seasons. He opted into his 2025 deal meaning the Cubs owe him $27.5 million next season.
It's unlikely any team will take on his entire contract. The Cubs would have to eat some of the money in his deal. This trade gives the Braves two players they could plug in every day to get some needed offensive production.
The only downside might be Hoerner's defensive ability at shortstop, but he does have experience at the position. The only question is if the Braves value his offense enough to deal with the potentially shaky defense.
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