The Braves reportedly are interested in acquiring Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre via trade. It’s not clear if Beltre is interested in joining the Braves — he has the contractual right to reject any trade — but assuming he wants to come to Atlanta, should the Braves bring him here now?
They shouldn’t if it means departing with any of their top prospects to make the deal. That shouldn’t be necessary to acquire Beltre, though. He’s 39-years old, has been limited to 73 games this season because of injury and can become a free agent after the season.
Assuming the Braves can get Beltre for a relative pittance, they should — but only if Johan Camargo doesn’t become a part-timer as a result.
Camargo, 24, potentially is part of the team's young core (I'm a fan) and he needs to get as many reps as possible so the Braves can know for sure. Beltre currently is having his worst season hitting since 2009, as measured by his Weighted Runs Created Plus of 98. Camargo (111 wRC+) is having a better year at the plate.
Obviously Beltre has a much longer track record as a good hitter than Camargo but what if he’s starting a steep decline? Camargo is on the rise at the plate, and while Beltre has been a great defender over his career, Camargo also is good with the glove.
But the Braves could slot in Beltre without sacrificing playing time for Camargo and make the lineup better in the process.
If Beltre accepted a bench role with the Braves, he could start against left-handers while Camargo moved over to shortstop in place of Dansby Swanson, who continues to struggle against lefties. Camargo has been good against lefties and so has Beltre. And the old pro could add something the Braves lack: pop from the right side (though Beltre’s power numbers are down, too).
Beltre also could help the Braves with things that can’t be measured but may be important. The Braves are a relatively young team embarking on a pennant race; Beltre has been there and done that. Beltre, who is from the Dominican Republic, could have a positive influence on the young Braves players who are natives of Spanish-speaking countries.
If Beltre joins the Braves, he may not produce as his usual level. The hamstring problems that led to two disable list stints in May could resurface. But if he takes on a utility role with Camargo shuffling between third and short, then the Braves would be a better ballclub overall while Camargo’s development continues unencumbered.
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