Why trading for Francisco Lindor is not the answer for Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves were recently mentioned as a suitable landing spot for Francisco Lindor. We explain why that is not the right move.

This past offseason, the Atlanta Braves were routinely mentioned as a potential trade partner with the Cleveland Indians if they decided to move their superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Here’s a quick rundown as to why the Braves were linked to the trade talks during the winter:

• Lindor will be an unrestricted free agent after next season.
• The Braves were in need of a big-time bat after losing Josh Donaldson to free agency.

Here’s a couple of things that have changed since then:

• It’s May and there is no Major League Baseball.
• People are wearing masks and they aren’t protective catching masks.
• The Braves signed Marcell Ozuna to fill the hole in the lineup.
• We learned toilet paper is an underrated essential item.
• Francisco Lindor has refused to talk extension with the Indians and intends to hit the open market.
• Cole Hamels will definitely be ready for the start of the season.

If the Indians are going to call the Braves are certainly going to listen. He’s a game-changing superstar. However, the way this team is constructed, it may not be the best decision.

Learning From the Past

When the Braves traded top-pitching prospect Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals for J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero, it was a win-now move. The Braves had just lost Gary Sheffield to free agency and had a big hole to fill in the lineup. They still viewed themselves as contenders and were willing to pay the price of a top prospect for Drew’s big bat.

The Braves were already in good shape with their pitching staff on paper, opening the season with Ross Ortiz, Mike Hampton, John Thompson, Horacio Ramirez, and Jaret Wright in the rotation and with John Smoltz coming off of a season in which he saved 45 games with opposing hitters earning only eight runs against the legend.