The Braves have a need for an outfielder after Adam Duvall was reported out for the season. Combine that with the struggles of Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario, and the club is clearly desperate for help in that department as they aim to repeat as World Champions. Now, a particular name has emerged as a potential trade target for Atlanta — Royals’ Michael Taylor.
More on the Braves’ pursuit of an outfielder: according to a source, Atlanta has Michael A. Taylor on its radar. Taylor is in the first year of a two-year, $9 million deal with the Royals.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2022
Taylor is under contract through 2023 and is a good defensive outfielder. Braves Country and Alex Anthopoulos know him well for his many seasons with the Nationals. Taylor, Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuna Jr. would form one of the better defensive outfields in baseball, but that’s not all Taylor can provide.
He’s amid one of the best offensive stretches of his career, posting a .745 OPS and 111 wRC+ in 72 games this season. Taylor is slashing .275/.345/.395 with six home runs and 28 RBIs, so he’s definitely more of a contact hitter than what Braves Country is used to.
He’d certainly be an upgrade against lefties compared to what the Braves currently have, though. On top of that, the Braves and Royals have made deals several times before. Most notably, the trade that sent Jorge Soler to Atlanta ahead of last year’s deadline but most recently the deal that sent Drew Waters to Kansas City.
The Braves do need to trade for outfield help, and Michael Taylor could be the answer.
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