The Braves have traded for LHP Ray Kerr and DH Matt Carpenter
This was not the move that Braves fans have been hoping for but it is still a move by Alex Anthopoulos. The Atlanta Braves traded away minor league outfielder Drew Campbell to the San Diego Padres for LHP Ray Kerr and DH Matt Carpenter.
Drew Campbell was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2019 draft by the Braves out of Louisville. Last season, Campbell played for the Mississippi Braves (the Braves AA affiliate) and posted a .254 batting average with 14 doubles, nine homers, and 30 RBI. This was his first year in AA after he was named as an All-Star in 2022. Campbell had a .271 batting average for the Rome Braves.
Ray Kerr is a 29-year-old left-handed pitcher out of Lassen Community College in California. He made his first MLB debut as a Padre last season where he pitched in seven games and finished with a 0-0 record and a 9.00 ERA. This season, Kerr worked out of the bullpen once again and made 22 appearances while totaling 27 innings pitched as he finished with a 1-1 record and a 4.33 ERA. Kerr will be another lefty the Braves can bring out of the bullpen, which is something we were lacking. He also has one option, so it gives Atlanta flexibility that was lacking out of the pen in 2023.
Matt Carpenter is a 38-year-old left-handed Designated Hitter who can still swing it with the best of players. He had a rough season in 2023, finishing with a .176 batting average after hitting .305 for the Yankees in 2022. Carpenter can play first and third base, but if he remains on the roster, I believe his main use will be as a bench bat.
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