Moreover, McLain and Encarnacion-Strand make up the rest of this package. The former was awesome as a rookie in 2023 but missed all of 2024 with a torn labrum. He struggled mightily in his return to MLB, but the former first-round pick finished top five for Rookie of the Year for a reason.
Encarnacion-Strand hasn’t found the same success he had in 2023 either, but he is a right-handed bat with power.
Atlanta Braves
The 2025 season brought forth unfamiliar territory to Atlanta, as the Braves missed the postseason for the first time since 2017.
Everything that could go wrong, went wrong for the Braves. Ronald Acuna Jr. dealt with injuries, as did Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, Chris Sale, and many others.
While it’s odd to think of the Braves looking to upgrade second base, it’s certainly an area of concern as the offseason begins. Longtime staple Ozzie Albies struggled in 2025 after battling injuries in 2024. The 28-year-old has a club option for 2027, but this is his last guaranteed season on his deal. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Atlanta to prepare for life after Albies.
Potential Trade Package: 2B Ozzie Albies, RHP JR Ritchie, LHP Cam Caminiti, and OF Diego Tornes
In addition to Albies, the Diamondbacks acquire two top arms in Ritchie and Caminiti. Again, this is a clear organizational need for Arizona.