With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching as June comes to a close, the Atlanta Braves are among the teams looking to make trades to strengthen their roster for a playoff push for the seventh consecutive season.
Currently, the Braves aren’t in their usual dominant position, sitting in second place in the National League East, eight games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. However, they hold a comfortable lead for the top Wild Card spot in the National League, with a 4.5-game advantage and a 43-33 record.
Despite the challenges, the Braves are still considered contenders, with the fourth-best record in the National League and a projected 91-70 season, along with a 94.4% chance of making the playoffs according to FanGraphs. To maintain their playoff aspirations, the Braves are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, which means trading valuable pieces.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has been notably aggressive at past MLB Trade Deadlines, rebuilding the team through team-friendly deals, homegrown talent, and key trades. His strategic moves, including acquiring four outfielders after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury in 2021, were pivotal in their World Series win that year. In 2024, with Acuña out again due to an ACL injury and star pitcher Spencer Strider also sidelined, Anthopoulos faces a similar challenge.
The Braves have a history of impactful trade deadline moves, such as the 1993 trade for Fred McGriff and the 2021 acquisitions of Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, and Jorge Soler. This season, it’s likely they will trade some of their pitching prospects, which have been a strength in their farm system.
While top prospects like AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach are unlikely to be traded, other promising arms could be on the block. Cade Kuehler, the Braves’ No. 8 prospect, is a candidate. He has shown potential in Single-A with a 2.52 ERA in 50 innings. Pitchers Darius Vines and Dylan Dodd, who have some major league experience, might also be considered. Vines has shown promise despite some struggles this season, while Dodd has had difficulties but could still be valuable due to his major league experience.
Additionally, No. 10 prospect Drue Hackenberg, who was recently promoted to Double-A Mississippi, might be available. He has a 3.64 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 59.1 innings in Single-A.
The Braves will likely make strategic moves to bolster their roster while navigating the loss of key players, aiming to enhance their playoff chances without compromising their future.
