Miami Marlins: Two Reasons why I'm Thankful Jazz Chisholm wasn't traded to the Braves

The dust from the trade deadline has finally settled. As expected, the Miami Marlins were one of the most active clubs as the franchise converted several established stars into minor-league assets. The most notable of these trades was a deal that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr to the New York Yankees in one of the trade deadline's biggest moves.

In the wake of the chaos, it is easy to forget that, for a time, the NL East rival Atlanta Braves reportedly emerged as the favorite to land the Marlins' All-Star centerfielder. In hindsight, there are two key reasons why Marlins' fans should be thankful a blockbuster with Atlanta never materialized.

The Potential Prospect Package

21-year-old pitcher Aj Smith-Shawver is the Braves #1 overall prospect (#67 overall). Righty Hurdston Waldrep checks in just behind at #69 on MLB’s list of top 100 prospects.

In fact, all four of Atlanta’s top prospects are right-handed pitchers. While each has an intriguing upside, it would have been difficult to wrap one’s mind around receiving a pitcher as the centerpiece for Jazz.

The Marlins have long been proficient at developing young pitching talent. Over the past few decades, the franchise has proven to be one of the most effective in baseball at producing major-league pitching.

Miami already boasts a treasure trove of young major-league pitchers like Eury Perez, Sandy Alcantara, Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Weathers, etc. Additionally, they have top prospects, such as Noble Meyer, Max Meyer, and Thomas White, already waiting in the fold.

The future of the pitching staff appears to be bright. However, the club is noticeably weak when it comes to hitting, particularly if you eliminated the addition of Agustin Ramirez in the deal with the Yankees.

Perhaps a player like Connor Norby can become an everyday staple in the Fish's offense. Or a slugger like Deyvison De Los Santos can become a perennial home run leader threat.

Maybe Dillon Head can capitalize on his talent and become the center-of-the-lineup bat the Marlins so desperately crave. Or maybe Victor Mesa can reemerge as a top international prospect and make an impact in MLB.

All that said, the addition of a high-upside, offensively gifted catcher like Ramirez gives the future offense another beacon of hope. The Braves' stable of minor-league pitchers is intriguing. But a premiere bat better suits Miami's needs.

The NL East Rivalry

Say what you want about Jazz, but he has become a fan favorite in recent years. His electric play and big personality have been a massive dynamic of the club during his time in Miami.

It is hard to see Chisholm suit up in another jersey. It's almost painful to watch him find his stride with a different club. But it would have been particularly difficult to see him in Atlanta Braves colors.

There is always a clear danger in moving a young All-Star within a division. If we do have to watch Jazz soar with another franchise, I am super thankful that it is not with a rival club.