The Atlanta Braves had a relatively quiet showing at the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings, but their lack of significant moves may not be indicative of their overall strategy this offseason. Reports suggest the Braves were in contention to acquire left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, a highly sought-after trade target. However, the Boston Red Sox ultimately secured Crochet, a vital move for them after missing out on free agents Juan Soto and Max Fried.
Despite the setback, the Braves remain in need of bolstering their roster, particularly with the addition of at least one starting pitcher and a corner outfielder. One key uncertainty is the potential return of veteran Charlie Morton. Morton, who has been a dependable part of Atlanta’s rotation, has not engaged in discussions with the team about the 2025 season. According to MLB insider Jayson Stark, Morton has not made a final decision about continuing his career, leaving a significant gap that the Braves must address.
With the free agent pitching market shrinking and top-tier arms commanding exorbitant prices, the Braves may have to turn to trades to fill their rotation needs. The Pittsburgh Pirates, reportedly considering trading some of their pitchers, present a potential solution. Two names that have emerged as trade candidates are Mitch Keller and Jared Jones, both of whom could fit Atlanta’s requirements.
Mitch Keller: A Proven Starter
Mitch Keller, a 29-year-old right-hander, could provide stability to Atlanta’s rotation. In 2024, Keller posted a 4.25 ERA across 31 starts, logging 178 innings. His strengths include an excellent walk rate of 6.5%, one of the best in MLB, and an ability to limit home runs. While his strikeout numbers dipped to 166 in 2024 compared to an impressive 210 in 2023, Keller remains a reliable option with a mix of a solid fastball and a devastating sweeper.
Keller’s contract situation is another appealing aspect. Signed to a four-year extension by the Pirates, Keller is owed $69.5 million over the next four seasons, with annual salaries escalating from $15 million in 2025 to $20 million in 2028. Given the current economic landscape of MLB, this deal is reasonably affordable, making Keller an attractive target for the Braves.
Jared Jones: A Young Talent with Upside
Jared Jones represents a different kind of opportunity for Atlanta. At just 23 years old, Jones had a promising debut season in 2024, posting a 4.14 ERA over 121.2 innings. He displayed an impressive average fastball velocity of 97.3 mph, complemented by a 26.2% strikeout rate and a 7.7% walk rate. While his hard-hit percentage of 44.5% raises some concerns, it is not uncommon for young pitchers to struggle with command early in their careers.
Jones’ potential makes him a highly sought-after asset, and his five years of team control significantly enhance his trade value. Acquiring him would likely require a substantial package, possibly involving top prospects or MLB-ready players. For a team like Atlanta, Jones’ upside could justify the cost, especially if they view him as a long-term fixture in their rotation.
The Braves’ Trade Strategy
The Pirates’ willingness to entertain offers for Keller and Jones stems from their need for offensive upgrades. Pittsburgh’s inability to invest heavily in bats has led them to explore trades as a means of improving their lineup. For Atlanta, this creates an opportunity to leverage their depth in position players to acquire much-needed pitching. The Braves have several prospects and MLB-ready talents that could entice the Pirates into making a deal.
Both Keller and Jones align with Atlanta’s objectives, though each presents different challenges. Keller offers immediate reliability and proven experience, making him a safer choice for a team looking to contend in 2025. Jones, on the other hand, represents a higher-risk, higher-reward option with significant long-term potential.
Final Thoughts
The Braves’ offseason is far from over, and their ability to address their pitching needs will be crucial to their success in 2025. Whether they pursue the stability of Mitch Keller or the promise of Jared Jones, Atlanta has the assets to make a meaningful trade. The decision will ultimately come down to how much they are willing to invest in securing their rotation’s future. As the Braves explore these options, fans can anticipate more activity from one of the most proactive front offices in baseball.
