Luke Jackson and Jorge Soler returning to the Atlanta Braves is a positive thing. In a trade deadline transaction that sent injured reliever pitcher Tyler Matzek to the San Francisco Giants, Soler and Jackson are returning to Atlanta. Each of the three was crucial to Atlanta’s first World Series victory in 26 years. While Jackson was a dependable member of the bullpen, Soler was named World Series MVP.
Although Atlanta didn’t require assistance with relief pitching, having Jackson back in the mix will undoubtedly give that unit more energy. In terms of the addition, Soler offers competent outfield defense in addition to power from the right side of the plate. He is a member of Atlanta’s royal family, despite his recent shift to designated hitter status. We have to speculate as to who else the Braves might sign.
Although the goal of dealing for Soler was to add a big bat from the right side to the starting lineup, the fit was not as perfect as one may have thought. Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta’s All-Star DH, isn’t about to be benched. I wonder if Soler’s defense will be an issue this season, even though one would imagine he would have to play some outfield. However, Atlanta desperately needed a big bat, so perhaps they’ll let it.
This is my best guess as to what the Braves’ starting lineup might look like if Soler were to start.
Order of Batting
Place
Name
1.
CF
Kelenic, Jarred
2.
3B
Austin Riley
3.
DH
Marcell Ozuna
4
1B
Matt Olson
5.
C
Travis Arnaud
Six
LF
Eddie Rosario
7.
RF
Jorge Soler
8
2B
Jose Alvarez Jr.
9.
SS
Orlando Arcia
Jarred Kelenic is the lone outfielder who will start every game for the Braves until Michael Harris II returns. He would continue to hit leadoff and man centerfield as a result. When Harris gets back, I would defensively shift him to left or right field while maintaining his position atop the Atlanta hitting order. Regarding Soler, I believe he will play right field and bat between fifth and eighth for the Braves this season.
This could work out here because Brian Snitker likes to switch up his lineup between left- and right-handed hitters.
What the Braves’ opening lineup may look like if Jorge Soler were included
Considering how he is entering the clubhouse, I’m going to assume Eddie Rosario and Adam Duvall will start platooning for the other outfield position. Duvall and Rosario are both extremely streaky hitters, but Duvall possesses superior defensive range. To be honest, you could say the same thing about any Braves outfield player who will play in the remaining games. Wonderful moments ahead!
It would surprise me if this is the end for the Braves, given that the trade deadline is in a few hours. I have a feeling that general manager Alex Anthopoulos is planning a few more significant moves. The man works in silence, as is the case with anything Braves connected. Only when he wants something to come out does it. It’s possible that Atlanta is searching for a pitcher, a middle infielder, or perhaps extra outfield depth. They must be worked on.
Overall, it’s obvious that Anthopoulos greatly misjudged the value of having absolute dogs on your roster if this is a hint of what the Braves could potentially get in a deadline transaction. Since defeating the Houston Astros in six games three years ago, the Braves have not won a postseason series because Atlanta has strayed from this roster-building strategy in recent years.
While Soler and Jackson won’t fix all of the Braves’ problems, they might offer some solace.
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