Tucker Davidson is the best ranked prospect that should be included in any Atlanta Braves rumors in a trade for Nelson Cruz. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images)
These three players could make an appearance in future Atlanta Braves rumors involving a trade for Nelson Cruz.
Send the Atlanta Braves some offense! It’s not MLB trade deadline time but Braves rumors are in utero right now and could spark the more the offense scuffles.
One likely available player they could make a run at sooner than later is Washington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz. The Nationals seemed to sign him merely for the sake of trading him midyear. They’re going nowhere and if the Braves want to avoid joining them at the bottom of the National League, it would benefit them to look into a possible trade.
Unlike a trade for Xander Bogaerts, Cruz wouldn’t cost a whole lot from Atlanta. There may be a slight tax handed out by Washington because it’s a division rival. However, Cruz should be more than attainable and these three names could be expected in future Braves rumors.
Braves rumors: Tucker Davidson is the best prospect to give up for Nelson Cruz
There is only one top ten prospect the Braves have that would make sense trading to the Nationals for Nelson Cruz: Tucker Davidson. Ranked eighth in the organization by MLB.com, he is longer in the tooth than most in his position.
Davidson has been with the Atlanta organization since 2016 and had plenty of success in the minor leagues. However, in 24.1 big league innings, Davidson is just 0-1 with a 5.55 ERA. His chances have been limited yet not promising.
Davidson for Cruz benefits both ball clubs. The Braves get Cruz’s big bat and the Nationals get a possible lottery ticket for a guy who may just need a chance to prove himself. The Nationals certainly have room to let younger players grow whereas the Braves are going after a championship right now.
Davidson and a lesser prospect for Cruz is a realistic deal for both teams. The Nationals get some salary relief along the way, too. In their current financial state of rebuilding, it might end up being the best part of the deal for them.