Atlanta Braves urged to upgrade in key position at MLB trade deadline

The Atlanta Braves are enjoying a great start to the 2026 season, and with their NL-leading record, many analysts and insiders view Atlanta as a true threat to advance to the World Series. 

With just over two months until MLB's trade deadline, it's fair to assume that Atlanta could be buyers to upgrade at key positions, like left field. Before the season even began, Atlanta was dealt a tough piece of outfield news when Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season. You would think not having to pay Profar this season should free up some cash for Atlanta, and they could use it to cover the salary of an acquired player via trade. 

Braves urged to upgrade in left field

In a recent article for Bleacher Report, MLB writer Tim Kelly proposes the question of 'how will the Braves upgrade in left field': 

"Nonetheless, they have been baseball's best team to this point, and it would be scary to see what they would look like if GM Alex Anthopoulos is able to acquire a star left fielder.  We mentioned Buxton—who is a native of Baxley, GA—as someone who would be interesting. He would not only have to waive his no-trade clause, but probably be willing to move out of center field, where the Braves have Michael Harris II. If those two hurdles could be cleared, he would be the perfect addition to Walt Weiss' lineup."

Aside from Byron Buxton, who else could the Braves potentially target via trade? 

Again, there's still over two months until the deadline, but a couple of names that come to mind that have been floated as trade candidates are Jarren Duran of the Red Sox and Taylor Ward of the Baltimore Orioles. 

Now, the Braves have enjoyed such a good season so far that they might feel comfortable with their current outfield group, but the left field position has been somewhat of a sore spot, especially with Mike Yastrzemski underperforming after inking a contract extension this offseason.