With the loss of Spencer Strider to the injured list, the never-ending cycle of injuries continues to pile up for the Atlanta Braves. As Atlanta attempts to keep control of the NL East and make a run at the World Series, the Braves must consider attacking the trade deadline with urgency. Here are the top Braves trade deadline targets that president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos should pursue to bolster the roster.
Atlanta Braves Trade Deadline Targets
1. Tarik Skubal
For a front office looking to go all-in, Tarik Skubal represents the ultimate prize in pitching. The two-time Cy Young winner instantly transforms the Atlanta rotation into an elite unit, serving as massive October insurance. While the prospect cost would be astronomical, Skubal is the type of ace who can single-handedly win a playoff series. Now this is not a move the Braves would typically make and I will honestly be surprised if they make this happen, but if they are truly going to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers this postseason then they must consider stepping out of their comfort zone and adding some major star power to counter the talent of Los Angeles.
2. Jeremy Pena
The shortstop position has been a revolving door and a point of inconsistency for Atlanta. Jeremy Pena is widely viewed as a star upgrade offensively and defensively. Adding his World Series-tested glove and solid bat would solidify the infield for a deep postseason push. Unfortunately for Atlanta, the AL West is pretty weak and the Houston Astros are still in the hunt for the division title even with a record of 33-41 going into Tuesday’s action. It is unlikely that Houston is interested in selling at this point, but if they fall out of the race by August, Pena is a name to watch.
3. Sonny Gray
If Atlanta wants a veteran innings-eater familiar with the National League, Sonny Gray is a logical and budget-friendly fit. The seasoned right-hander would give the rotation crucial stability. His familiarity with the southeast region, coupled with an offseason home in Nashville, makes this a heavily rumored pairing. Gray would provide instant stability in the rotation and add much-needed postseason experience.
4. Spencer Steer
Outfield depth is another area the Braves must shore up. Spencer Steer could be a reasonable target. He offers incredible versatility, team control, and a strong track record against left-handed pitching, making him an ideal platoon option. Steer is considered a key piece of the Cincinnati Reds‘ young core as they look to build their roster, so this one is unlikely to happen, but if the Reds are interested in selling at the deadline, the Braves must make the call at the very least.
5. Robbie Ray
The San Francisco Giants appear destined to be sellers, putting Robbie Ray directly in the crosshairs for contenders needing a left-handed starter. The Braves should seriously consider making a call to the Giants regarding Ray’s services. Because Ray is in the final year of his contract, the cost to acquire him is expected to be manageable and Ray would provide veteran starting pitching depth to complement Chris Sale.
6. CJ Abrams
If Atlanta wants to target a younger, dynamic shortstop, CJ Abrams is a name to watch. His availability depends entirely on the Washington Nationals place in the standings, as they are highly competitive at this point in the season, but Abrams remains an elite, long-term solution for the middle infield.
7. Lane Thomas
Another highly discussed outfielder mentioned as a potential target is Lane Thomas. He acts as a perfect rental option for a team looking to deepen their outfield depth on a budget. His splits strongly favor matchups against left-handed pitchers, giving Atlanta a potent weapon to deploy in the postseason.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
