The 2026 MLB trade deadline was full of movement, and the Atlanta Braves were part of that. It was a bit controversial because Alex Anthopoulos addressed needs, but there weren't any clear upgrades. The biggest need was to add a playoff-caliber starter, and that just didn't happen. It rightfully upset fans who know how important that will be in the postseason. However, we learned that the Braves attempted to add multiple starters who fit the bill as to what they were looking for, but it didn't work out.
Atlanta will be thankful that some of these trades didn't turn into anything, as they could have absolutely backfired.
Trading for these players could have been an absolute disaster for the Braves
Jacob deGrom
Atlanta was apparently very interested in deGrom at the trade deadline. So much so that they seemingly had a deal in place for the right-hander before being shocked when the right-hander invoked his no-trade clause. That felt like a gut punch at the time, but the Braves may have dodged a massive bullet.
He exited his most recent start after only two innings with right triceps fatigue. Losing top prospects for an aging pitcher owed $37 million next season would have hurt bad enough, but to then lose that pitcher to injury would have been a horrible gut punch.
Casey Mize
Mize was thought to be Atlanta's back-up plan when they missed out on Tarik Skubal. He is a talented righty from Braves Country and would be a great addition beyond this season. However, he landed with the Padres at the deadline. He then struggled mightily in his first start with San Diego.
Mize allowed eight runs over 3.1 innings in his first start against the Diamondbacks. Not what he or the team wanted to see, but they'll have to hope he can turn things around.
Kevin Gausman
There was a chance the Braves could have reunited with Gausman at the deadline, but the Cubs ultimately landed him. He hasn't been great since the trade, and the Nationals lit him up for six runs over 4.2 innings a couple of days ago. The right-hander has a 6.17 ERA over his first two starts with Chicago.
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