Braves trade a "no brainer" to acquire Athletics All-Star, per insider

It's a familiar story: The Atlanta Braves are in search of outfielders at the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Braves fans will never forget Jorge Soler's impact on the 2021 postseason run, punctuated by an MVP performance in the World Series win over the Houston Astros. Without acquiring Soler at that season's trade deadline, there's a good chance Atlanta never wins that title.

One insider believes there's an All-Star player out there who could have a similar impact on the 2024 Braves. And he plays for one of the Braves' favorite trade partners: the Oakland Athletics.

In a trade proposal article published Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic proposed the Braves acquire Athletics outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker for prospects Cade Kuehler, Luis Guanipa and Luis Exposito.

Jim Bowden, former MLB general manager and current insider, loved the deal, but there was a catch.

"Oakland should jump all over this trade and call a news conference before A’s general manager David Forst even hangs up the phone with Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos," Bowden said.

But although Bowden thought the return was too steep a price for the Braves to pay, he agreed Rooker could have a huge impact on the Braves, specifically mentioning Soler as a comparable acquisition that gave Atlanta a spark in the past.

Rooker, 29, has continued his breakout in 2024, just his second full season in MLB. His .845 OPS ranks 20th among all qualified hitters and he ranks in the 94th percentile in barrel rate and expected slugging percentage.

Though Rooker has 54 games at DH, compared to just 14 in the outfield, he figures to slot in left field if acquired by Atlanta. His defense isn't his strongest suit, but the Braves would have Adam Duvall as a late-innings defensive replacement under this scenario.

Rooker also comes with team control through 2027, making him an appealing piece for a team that expects to be in contention for the foreseeable future. Though the trade package in this particular instance appeared steep, there is a definite fit for Rooker in Atlanta.

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