The Braves’ trade interest strays from Joc Pederson for now

The Atlanta Braves may be more interested in adding Michael A. Taylor over Joc Pederson.

Although the Atlanta Braves could still be in the mix for a Joc Pederson reunion, You could add a former division rival in Michael A. Taylor to their competing ball club at the MLB close of trading.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported over the weekend that Taylor is indeed on the Braves’ radar. Taylor is in the first season of a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals Worth 9 million dollars. This is his second season with the Royals after playing his first seven years at NL East rivals Washington Nationals. Taylor left the nation’s capital after helping Washington win a World Series.

The 31-year-old midfielder is under contract until 2023 and will only play on a free transfer in 2024.

Atlanta Braves trade rumors: Michael A. Taylor could join their outfield

With Adam Duvall out for the year with wrist surgery, adding a player to the outfield must be the Braves’ primary need at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Though they might try adding an arm to the bullpen, remember Kirby Yates is on Triple-A Gwinnett and could be making his Braves debut soon. As a starting pitcher, Ian Anderson threw very well on his last outing.

With Kansas City an obvious seller as of deadline, Atlanta could look to trade again with the Royals for an outfielder. The Braves landed World Series MVP Jorge Soler in a deadline deal with Kansas City just a year ago. Soler would only spend half of last year in a Braves uniform, however, as he signed a one-year contract with a player option to play for the Miami Marlins.

With Duvall set to reach free agency this winter, Atlanta may want to add an outfielder who will be around longer than October. The Braves already have two cornerstones in outfield with Michael Harris II at center and Ronald Acuña Jr. at right, but left field was a revolving door for the who’s who of Atlanta’s defense. The Braves must replace Duvall’s power and gauntlet by Tuesday.

Pederson could return to Atlanta, but Taylor is playing for a more willing trading partner in Kansas City.