JOC PEDERSON PICKED UP BY ATLANTA
The Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Bryce Ball.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Since the Braves recently lost superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. to a torn ACL, it was inevitable that they would add an outfielder. They are also currently missing left-fielder Marcell Ozuna (fractured hand), so Pederson should help. Expect him to play regularly on an outfield corner for the rest of 2021.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
Unlike the Braves, who are only four games behind the Mets in their division, the Cubs are already eight behind the Brewers in the NL Central division. Therefore, expect to see Chicago to be sellers throughout the month of July. In Ball, the Cubs get a towering first base prospect with pretty good upside.
Fantasy impact
Pederson is very much a feast or famine fantasy player. He can carry a club for stretches when he gets red-hot, but then he can also be a guy who never gets off a fantasy bench due to massive hitting slumps. That is unlikely to change in Atlanta. As for Ball, his keeper value may be linked to Anthony Rizzo (who might also be a trade candidate this season).
