The Atlanta Braves have traded for outfielder Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs, the team announced today. The Cubs received first baseman Bryce Ball in return.
Given that the Braves and Cubs have virtually the same record, it is interesting that one of them is selling and the other is buying in the same deal. The Braves, who lost Ronald Acuna, Jr., for the year, have been viewed as potential sellers, but in the mediocre N.L. East, they are still just four games out of first. Bringing in Pederson is an effort to try to shore up the hole from Acuna’s absence.