3 Biggest Trade Deadline Questions for Braves

The Atlanta Braves are beginning to round into form and are one of the better teams in the National League. While that may be the case, that doesn't mean they possess a perfect roster. GM Alex Anthopoulos has his work cut out for him heading into the trade deadline. So, what will he do? Here are three of the biggest trade deadline questions for the Braves:

3. Does Ender Inciarte Get Traded?

Chicago Cubs v Atlanta Braves / Kevin C. Cox

Ender Inciarte is a Gold Glover, fan favorite and is under a very team-friendly contract, but do the Braves move him so Austin Riley can play on an everyday basis? This is a serious question because Riley is destroying the baseball while Inciarte is on the shelf. Are they going to demote Riley once the three-time Gold Glover is healthy? If Inciarte wasn't hitting .218, it wouldn't be much to discuss, but that's the reality and this club has been rolling with Riley playing every game. Despite his value being low, Atlanta could package Inciarte with a prospect and address a bullpen need or go after a starter.

2. Do they Acquire a Frontline Starter?

Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants / Thearon W. Henderson

Madison Bumgarner to the Braves seems like a perfect fit and they certainly have the prospect capital to make it happen. However, MadBum hasn't been lights out to start the 2019 season, and unless you plan on re-signing him, do you want to give up a top prospect for a rental? And while they have the young pieces, especially on the pitching side, that would entice most teams, do you want to give up one or two of them for Bumgarner, who hasn't pitched a full season since 2016?

1. Will the Braves Sign Craig Kimbrel?

World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Boston Red Sox - Game One / Elsa

Once the MLB Draft comes and goes in the first week of June, which removes the draft pick compensation away from free agents, closer Craig Kimbrel will be bombarded with phone calls. He's the best closer in the sport and plenty of teams with bad bullpens will certainly take a chance on him. One of those teams should be the Atlanta Braves, but will they? Kimbrel is from Braves Country and he began his career in Atlanta. They have a bullpen need so, it appears to be a perfect match. But, will his price tag be too high? It shouldn't matter and they should do whatever it takes to bring him aboard, but you never know with this front office.