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MLB Trade Deadline: Needs for 3 National League contenders

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves - OF

No more excuses can be made for B.J. Upton, who's hitting .217/.280/.345 this season and has been the fourth-worst qualified player in the majors over the last two years. The 30-year-old outfielder has lost much of the power that made him such a dynamic threat in Tampa Bay, and his contact issues have only worsened in the National League, as Upton's 30 percent strikeout rate this season represents the sixth-worst mark among qualified hitters.

The Braves have already demonstrated a willingness to bench highly-paid, under-performing veterans by relegating Dan Uggla to a reserve role in early May. It would behoove Fredi Gonzalez to do the same with Upton, though the Braves will need to look outside the organization to find a capable everyday replacement. Should the Braves opt to pursue a trade, general manager Frank Wren ought to privilege offense above all else, as the Atlanta's 91 wRC+ represents the eighth-worst mark in the majors and the Braves already boast two competent defensive outfielders in Jason Heyward and Justin Upton.

Potential targets: Josh Willingham, Michael Cuddyer, Marlon Byrd, Alex Rios

Cincinnati Reds - OF

Billy Hamilton's impressive rookie campaign has done a lot to mitigate the loss of erstwhile leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo, but the Reds still have not received nearly enough production from their outfield, as Jay Bruce has eked out a disappointing 104 OPS+ while the club's contingent of left fielders has managed a combined .260/.314/.367 line with five home runs in 2014. Cincinnati offensive struggles were further compounded this week when first baseman Joey Votto landed on the disabled list amid persistent discomfort in his left quadriceps.

The Reds have tried valiantly to wring league-average production out of Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey, but that strategy has proven untenable as only five clubs have received less value in left field this season. With postseason contention a legitimate possibility - the Reds sit just a half-game back of a wild-card berth - the club ought to consider swapping a mid-level prospect like Mike Lorezen or Nick Travieso for an offensive upgrade in the outfield, as neither Jesse Winker nor Yorman Rodriguez are ready to tackle the major leagues.

Potential targets: Josh Willingham, Michael Cuddyer, Marlon Byrd, Alex Rios

Pittsburgh Pirates - 1B

The arrival of Gregory Polanco galvanized the rest of Pittsburgh's offense, as the Pirates are 17-11 with the 22-year-old in their lineup and have managed an impressive 107 wRC+ over the last 30 days. However, first base remains a problem for the Pirates, as the Ike Davis/Gaby Sanchez platoon has combined for just nine home runs this season while managing a 106 OPS+, a below-average mark for the position.

Few teams boast the depth of high-end minor-league talent that general manager Neal Huntington has cultivated in Pittsburgh, and the Pirates are one of the few teams that can afford to swap a compelling prospect without seriously damaging their farm system. Acquiring a first baseman via trade could relegate Ike Davis and Gaby Sanchez to pinch-hitting duties, affording the Pirates one of the stronger benches in the league: Davis owns a career .818 OPS against right-handers while Sanchez boasts a lifetime .890 OPS against lefties.

Potential targets: Kendrys Morales, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, James Loney, Adam Dunn, Ryan Howard

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