It's finally happening guys! With the MLB trade deadline approaching the rumors are flying and it looks like the Braves are on the verge of a blockbuster. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post the Braves are on the verge of making a massive move for... Chris Denorfia.
Oh.
The relevant tweet:
Denorfia is getting moved today from Padres?src=hash">#Padres. Royals?src=hash">#Royals and #Braves are the leaders
So guess what guys this isn't David Price. That was never happening. This move is instead a low cost upgrade that will help the Braves at a major weakness and won't cost high level prospects the Braves don't have. This was always the kind of move Atlanta was going to make this year and if this comes off it will be good news. Denorfia is having a down year at the plate with a 76 wRC+. Denorfia plays in the offensive black hole that is San Diego and the NL West as a whole and any Padres player can expect to hit better after moving to friendlier confines. He has a career 106 wRC+ and had a 108 wRC+ last year so it is reasonable to expect him to improve on that number.
But guess what that 76 wRC+ means even if he doesn't hit better down the stretch? If the Braves get Denorfia he immediately becomes the Braves best bench bat. A 76 wRC+ would only trail Gerald Laird for best hitter on the Braves bench, and as we all know it is against the rules for a manager to use his backup catcher as a pinch hitter. Denorfia is also a good baserunner and capable defensive outfielder. He is an upgrade for the Braves across the board.
This move wouldn't be sexy, it would draw derisive comments from social media, and it would make the Braves better at little cost. Let's hope it happens.