Braves linked to homecoming with $100M outfielder who'd be perfect trade pickup

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Braves linked to homecoming with $100M outfielder who'd be perfect trade pickup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are sitting atop all of Major League Baseball through Memorial Day with a very impressive 36-18 record.

With how good the team is, there's not much that they need to do at this year's trade deadline to become more solidified contenders. But that doesn't mean there isn't a chance for a big move this year.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report linked the Braves to a trade with the Minnesota Twins that would be a homecoming for $100 million outfielder Byron Buxton.

"We mentioned Buxton - who is a native of Baxley, GA - as someone who would be interesting," Kelly writes. "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."

Adding Buxton won't come easily, as there are a few hurdles to clear before the Braves can add him to their outfield. But if they could work out these issues, then Buxton would be the perfect addition for Atlanta to make this trade deadline season.

Byron Buxton would be perfect trade pickup for Braves​

This season, Buxton has a .263 batting average with 16 homers and 1.9 bWAR to go with a .901 OPS and 148 OPS+.

With how good the Braves' lineup is, they don't really need to add someone like Buxton to be serious World Series contenders. But if they did add someone, there's no better player to add than Buxton.

With Michael Harris II in center field and Ronald Acuna Jr. in right field, Buxton could settle in left field, starting over Mike Yastrzemski, and giving the Braves the best outfield in Major League Baseball.

Along with a great infield, and Drake Baldwin once healthy, this Braves lineup would easily be in contention for best in baseball.

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Buxton also isn't a rental; the 32-year-old outfielder is under contract on his $100 million deal through the 2028 season.

Trading for Buxton would be the perfect move for the Braves this season. He's an upgrade in the outfield, and it'd be a homecoming for the Georgia native.

Add in that the rival Philadelphia Phillies would also be interested, and the Braves could get what might be the best hitter available at this year's trade deadline, and stop a rival from getting said player in the process.

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