A neglected former division rival could help the Braves overcome their outfield woes

Since the Atlanta Braves lost Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris, the outfield production has understandably been disappointing. The offense as a whole has been incredibly inconsistent and looks nothing like the power-fueled dominance of last season.

This Braves team is built around pitching, defense, and consistent production out of the bullpen. To have any serious playoff hopes, it’s no secret that the team is expected to make an effort to improve its offensive production.

While some speculate the team could look to add a fifth starter, all the focus should be on improving the shortstop and outfield positions. In the outfield, the Braves need to add at least one possible starter and a platoon for Adam Duvall.

Adam Duvall has been a huge disappointment in a season Atlanta needed the veteran to step up. Recent ABs have been undetectable against right-handed pitchers, with Duvall completely out of shape.

Still, now is not the time for the team to give up on a player who was essential to their run to the 2021 World Series. Given Atlanta’s lack of depth, they shouldn’t give up on a player with Duvall’s postseason experience and long history with the team.

The goal of the deadline should be to move Duvall to a bench or platoon role. With that in mind, one low-cost buyout option the Braves could consider is the former Met and current Giant, Michel Conforto.

Conforto would be an instant upgrade for Atlanta and would provide the team with a great bench or platoon piece depending on the rest of Atlanta’s moves. While the splits against righties haven’t been great for Conforto this season either, the veteran has a career .259 average against righties and should see some statistical improvements upon joining Atlanta’s lineup.

Despite their struggles, the Giants continue to strike fear into their players, but they still need to show more respect and fear than they are currently able to do. Conforto is in the final year of his contract and could be a cheap signing with high growth potential.

The move would fit the Braves GM’s usual approach of adding a player with a deep resume in the hopes that a change of scenery and a better roster will yield better results. It’s the approach that brought Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson and Eddie Rosario to Atlanta at a historic trade deadline in 2021.

Michael Conforto should also be considered a potential overlooked piece that could fill exactly what Atlanta is lacking. Duvall and Conforto would both benefit from regular rest days and the ability to handle much less offensive pressure. Conforto also gives Atlanta a great late-inning pinch-hitting option.

The only reason this trade doesn’t make sense for Atlanta is because the recent addition of Eddie Rosario is reviving the veteran’s career. If Rosario returns with the player, as he did early in Atlanta, the Braves can pair him with Duvall and focus on a more spectacular addition at the deadline.

It seems more likely that the magic is gone for the Braves and Rosario, with the team needing to add a left-handed hitter alongside Duvall. If that’s the case, Conforto is a cheap option with high upside that fits well into the Braves’ lineup.