The Atlanta Braves tried and failed to trade for San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson at the deadline. It wasn’t meant to be.
Pederson’s pearls weren’t meant to grace the Truist Field outfield in Braves colors once again — at least not this postseason. Despite facing a four-game deficit in the NL Wild Card standings, the Giants trade deadline approach did not reflect that of a seller.
Pederson, as well as starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, remain in San Francisco. The Giants did not receive their desired return in an offer, and thus stood pat, in similar fashion to the Chicago Cubs with Willson Contreras and Ian Happ.
Both Pederson and Rodon could be free agents after this year, and it’s tough to see them not testing the market. Pederson, specifically, was an NL All-Star.
The addition of Pederson would’ve been nice, but Atlanta went with a cheaper move instead, trading for Detroit Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman. Grossman isn’t as talented or powerful as Pederson with the bat, but he gets on-base at a surprising rate when healthy, and can play a platoon role with Eddie Rosario.
It’s not the perfect solution. However, Atlanta doesn’t have much prospect capital left to trade for a player like Pederson, especially when the Giants expectations are high.
Rodon, along with Pederson, reflected a relieved approach after their lives weren’t uprooted on Aug. 2.
“Alright, it’s over, which is good. We don’t have to be anxious,” Rodon said of the deadline. “(Now) let’s try to freaking win. That’s my thought. We’re here, might as well do it. We’re not showing up for no reason.”
Joc will always have a place in Atlanta sports lore. A return could one day be in order — maybe even as early as this coming offseason. But it wasn’t meant to be at the deadline.
Only one team was willing to do a deal.
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