Braves' .910 OPS slugger linked to Guardians trade that would make no sense

Braves' .910 OPS slugger linked to Guardians trade that would make no sense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves have been the best team in Major League Baseball through the middle of May, and the reason for that success, beyond the unexpected elite pitching staff, is the offense scoring 237 runs to help lead to a 30-14 record.

With the Braves in such a great spot already this season, it would not be a surprise if they wound up buying at this year's deadline to become a more legitimate World Series contender.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report does have the Braves as buyers, with an outfielder as a need. But Miller also linked a .910 OPS slugger for the Braves to a trade with the Cleveland Guardians.

"But with both halves of the Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins first base tandem struggling," Miller writes, "it's likely the Guardians would see if Atlanta is willing to part with Dominic Smith…"

If the Braves were sellers, trading Smith would be a no-brainer. But, as a top World Series contender, the Braves' potentially trading Smith would make no sense.

Braves linked to Dominic Smith trade that makes no sense

The Braves are a top World Series contender. Why would they ever consider selling someone? If they believed Smith's beginning to the year was a fluke, then a trade might make some sense.

But with Smith's .910 OPS and .353 batting average and solid metrics, it would be a baffling move to trade Smith this season.

The only way a trade of Smith would make sense is if the Braves found a way to land a superstar player worthy of putting in at designated hitter full-time.

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For example, if Rafael Devers were somehow acquired, then trading Smith to an AL team like the Guardians might make some sense. Though such a move is incredibly unlikely, and even if it did happen, there's a chance the Braves should keep Smith.

The 30-year-old veteran should not be traded by the Braves this season. The only scenario where he should be considered available is if the Braves collapse and wind up as sellers by the August 3rd trade deadline.

But that won't happen, so any trade prediction, link, or hypothetical involving Smith makes no sense from the Braves' perspective. Smith isn't someone the Braves should trade, but rather someone they should get more playing time if possible.