The Atlanta Braves aren’t waving the white flag just yet.
Despite entering the weekend nine games under .500 and clinging to one of the worst records in the National League since mid-May, the Braves are not acting like sellers. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Atlanta’s front office is actively exploring the trade market for upgrades in the outfield and at shortstop—two glaring areas of concern that have helped sink a team with postseason expectations.
Braves Stuck Between Reality and Reputation
Atlanta has made the playoffs for seven straight seasons and opened 2025 with a top-10 payroll. That’s not the profile of a team that’s eager to sell, even amid a dramatic freefall. After a seven-game losing streak earlier this week, the Braves did show some life by taking two of three from Milwaukee Brewers, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap in the NL Wild Card picture—or erase the questions about how much longer they can wait before the deadline forces their hand.
Heyman’s report reinforces that the Braves are still thinking like buyers, but that posture may not last unless the wins start to pile up.
Outfield Offensive Black Hole
With Jurickson Profar serving a suspension for a PED violation, the Braves have fielded one of MLB’s least productive outfields outside of Ronald Acuña Jr. Alex Verdugo, brought in as a low-cost flier, has slashed just .247/.301/.312 and continues to struggle with consistency at the plate. Meanwhile, Eli White, who once looked like a surprise contributor in April, has been batting under .290 since May began and no longer appears capable of holding down a regular role.
The bigger concern might be Michael Harris II. Once a Rookie of the Year and key lineup piece, Harris has cratered in 2025, posting a .233/.261/.346 line in over 270 plate appearances. His defense remains elite, and his speed still adds value on the bases, but his bat has all but vanished. As it stands, Acuña is carrying the offensive load alone in the outfield, and there’s no guarantee Profar’s return in July will change that, especially with his ineligibility for postseason play due to the PED ban.
Shortstop Void Still Unresolved
Shortstop is another urgent need. The Braves moved on from Orlando Arcia last month, handing the reins to glove-first Nick Allen. While Allen’s defensive chops are undeniable, his bat has been nearly nonexistent. With no home runs and a .234/.309/.269 slash line, he’s essentially giving Atlanta another black hole in the lineup. When paired with the outfield’s struggles, it leaves the Braves fielding multiple near-automatic outs every night outside of Acuña.
Deadline Direction Depends on July
The Braves’ offensive woes aren’t the only concern. The bullpen has been unreliable, and the starting rotation lost depth with AJ Smith-Shawver undergoing Tommy John surgery. If Atlanta wants to make a genuine run, it may need more than just a shortstop or an outfielder.
Still, the Braves are hesitant to give up just yet. Their identity as a contender suggest they’ll remain patient. But if the next six weeks bring more losses, GM Alex Anthopoulos may have no choice but to flip the script and entertain offers for short-term assets like Ozuna—or even make tough decisions on veterans like Chris Sale.
For now, though, Atlanta’s message is clear: they’re not done yet.
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