Unless something truly tragic happens, we can probably expect the Atlanta Braves to at least try to be aggressive at the trade deadline. With so few options period on the trade market right now, it is impossible to say that they will get everything that they need, but it won't be because Alex Anthopoulos didn't try hard enough.
As is customary this time of year, it is basically radio silence when it comes to the Braves. Anthopoulos' front office does not leak often and greatly prefers to operate in the shadows. However, there have been enough hints out there in the world that we can start to formulate opinions as to which of the trade targets fit what the Braves need and those that are fool's gold.
Here are the trade rumors that Braves fans should want to come true, as well as those they shouldn't
This obviously isn't an exhaustive list. Every trade deadline preview mentions the Braves as a fit for any pitcher, shortstop, or right-handed bat that has any chance of being traded at the deadline. This is a look at some of the names that make the most sense and/or have been connected to the Braves the most, as well as why they may or may not be a good idea.
Michael Wacha would be a fine addition to the Braves' rotation
While this isn't the sexy trade that some Braves fans want to happen, going out and trading for Michael Wacha would be a win for Atlanta. He keeps his teams in most games, covers innings, and would come with extra team control (including a club option for 2028) to sweeten the deal. As always, the price tag matters, but the Braves should be staying in touch with the Royals for sure.
Trading for Tarik Skubal is not the move Braves fans should be rooting for
Here is the fundamental problem with trading for Tarik Skubal: the odds that he would stay in Atlanta beyond this season are basically zero. Skubal is obviously looking to set some records with his next deal, and Anthopoulos is not an executive who has ever paid up like that for anyone, especially a pitcher. Giving up the king's ransom that WILL be required for any Skubal trade would be defensible if they could keep him for the long haul. Since the Braves can't/won't, they should use their resources elsewhere.
Heliot Ramos might be exactly the bat the Braves need right now
The trade market for bats sucks this year. Even if more sellers join the market, it is hard to find bats that move the needle and who will actually be on the table. However, the Giants seem like surefire sellers, and Heliot Ramos can hit, has some pop, and his hitting metrics are very encouraging. Atlanta would want to teach him more patience and better pitch selection if this were to happen, and you can bet that San Francisco won't let him go cheap. However, Ramos is also under team control through 2029, so being aggressive here could help in the years to come as well.
Zach Neto will never be worth the cost to acquire him
With players like Zach Neto that have real name recognition, casual observers inflate their actual value. Sure, Neto has some pop and has looked very strong at times in the majors. However, he also strikes out way too much and is one of the worst qualified defenders at shortstop in baseball. The Angels will point to his potential and team control when giving their asking price, but it isn't likely to be a price that the Braves should pay.
Lane Thomas would be a nice fallback option as a righty platoon bat
Speaking of moves that won't look flashy on paper, there is a real chance that the Braves will have to settle in their search for offensive help from the right side of the plate. There is definitely an argument for replacing Mike Yastrzemski on the left side of that platoon as well, but adding a righty still seems optimal. The Braves know Lane Thomas from his time with the Nationals (where he often owned Atlanta, btw), he still hits lefties well, and he probably wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. Honestly, some sort of group deal with Kansas City for both Thomas and Wacha might make sense for both sides.
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