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MLB Trade Rumors: Braves interested in A.J. Pollock

Pollock would give the Braves a powerhouse of an outfield heading into Opening Day.

Texas Rangers v Arizona Diamondbacks Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images

The Braves are staying hot this offseason, their latest target being A.J. Pollock, ESPN’S Buster Olney reports.

Pollock would be a good fit in Atlanta’s outfield, which has a vacant corner spot. The 31-year old slashed .257/.316/.484 and .800 OPS with Arizona last season, hitting 21 home runs in 113 games.

If Pollock can stay healthy and avoid the strange and random injuries he seems subject to (light your prayer candles now), the Braves would be looking at a stacked outfield with Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuna, both offensively and defensively. While his speed has gone down since 2015, the veteran was still able to steal 13 bases last season, making him an asset across the board.

Pollock declined Arizona’s qualifying offer to him, officially allowing him to sow his wild oats this winter. If Atlanta signs Pollock, they would sign away their second round pick, which is their third pick overall. The Braves have previously stated that sacrificing picks would be a nonissue when it comes to making moves this winter.

Pollock would join the ranks of Brian McCann and Josh Donaldson, Atlanta’s other marquee acquisitions leading up to spring baseball.