Beltre would be good for Braves, with reservations

The Braves reportedly are interested in trading for Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre. It’s not clear if Beltre is interested in joining the Braves — he has the contractual right to reject any trade — but assuming he wants to come to Atlanta, should the Braves bring him here?

They shouldn’t if it means parting with any of their top prospects. That shouldn’t be necessary to acquire Beltre, though. He’s 39 years old, has been limited to 73 games this season because of injury and can become a free agent after the season.

Assuming the Braves can get Beltre for a relative pittance, they should — but only if Johan Camargo doesn’t become a part-timer as a result.

Camargo, 24, potentially is part of the team’s young core, and he needs to get as many reps as possible so the Braves

can know for sure. Beltre is having his worst season hitting since 2009. Camargo is having a better year at the plate.

Beltre has a much longer track record as a good hitter than Camargo, but what if he’s starting a steep decline? Camargo is on the rise at the plate, and while Beltre has been a great defender over his career, Camargo also is good with the glove.

But the Braves could slot in Beltre without sacrificing playing time for Camargo and make the lineup better.

If Beltre accepted a bench role with the Braves, he could start against left-handers as Camargo moves over to shortstop in place of Dansby Swanson, who continues to struggle against lefties. Camargo has been good against lefties and so has Beltre. And the old pro could add something the Braves lack: pop from the right side (though Beltre’s power numbers are down, too).

The Braves are a relatively young team embarking on a pennant race; Beltre has been there and done that. Beltre, from the Dominican Republic, also could have a positive influence on the young players who are natives of Spanish-speaking countries.

If Beltre takes on a utility role with Camargo shuffling between third and short, the Braves would be a better ballclub, and Camargo’s development would continue unencumbered.

DUANE BURLESON / GETTY IMAGES Would Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre be interested in a bench role with the Braves?

RICK YEATTS / GETTY IMAGES Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers watches his seventh-inning two-run homer July 21 against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. The Braves are rumored to be interested in landing Beltre in a trade.