Cubs: 3 potential trade destinations for a resurgent Ian Happ

Cubs: 3 potential Ian Happ landing spots – #2: Atlanta Braves

As a team that looks to contend year-in and year-out, the Atlanta Braves entered action Friday 9 1/2 games behind the New York Mets in the NL East. However, with an extra wild card berth in the mix and coming on the heels of their second-half run in 2022 that ended in a championship, there will be no waving the white flag from this team.

Looking at their current situation, outside of Ronald Acuna, the outfielders have been pretty not great at the plate this season. Eddie Rosario, before he got hurt, notched just a .068 batting average in 15 games, while Adam Duvall is at .191 and Guillermo Heredia sits at just .188. Marcell Ozuna has added some pop with 10 home runs, but it’s pretty clear this team could stand to add in the outfield.

Duvall, who is normally considered a lefty masher, is hitting just .171 off southpaws and .195 against right-handed pitching. All this to say, the Braves need an outfielder that can play everyday who hits both lefties and righties. Happ has taken 38 at bats this season against lefties and has surprised some folks, hitting .342 in those matchups. His switch-hitting capabilities and multi-positional versatility gives him more value than you may realize and don’t be surprised if the Braves come calling this summer.