As the baseball world gears up for the second half, trade season has unofficially begun.
The trade deadline isn’t until July 30, but the Cubs and Braves got the wheels turning early with Chicago sending outfielder Joc Pederson to Atlanta for minor league first baseman Bryce Ball. It’s a deal that could signal major moves down the line—even if it doesn’t end up ultimately impacting the 2021 postseason race all that much.
As the players involved get acquainted with their new clubs, let’s hand out some trade grades.
Braves acquire: OF Joc Pederson
Cubs acquire: 1B Bryce Ball
Grading Atlanta’s side of the deal
The Braves are in a precarious position: their franchise cornerstone, Ronald Acuña Jr.