It's getting close to the trade deadline, and there are a lot of questions to be answered. Atlanta Braves fans will be eagerly awaiting to see what the front office is able to do to improve the team this year. However, the Braves are not the only team looking to make moves and some them making moves would be decidedly worse than others.
The Braves certainly have a few needs, including a starting pitcher, a reliever, and at least one bat. It will be tough, as there are plenty of teams with needs, so Atlanta will have to be competitive. Unfortunately, they're bound to lose out to someone else at some point and that includes some of the Braves' most fierce rivals. Here are a few trades we hope don't happen at the trade deadline.
These trade deadline moves would be absolute nightmare fuel for the Braves
Tarik Skubal going to the Dodgers or Brewers
Skubal is by far the most popular name to watch at the deadline. There are several contenders that will inquire about his services. Atlanta has been linked as a potential suitor, and they certainly could use a pitcher of his caliber right now.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers are also a rumored fit for the lefty ace. LA always seems to find a way to land whoever they want. It would be brutal for the Braves to potentially lose out on Skubal to the team they could see in the postseason. Reports are that the Dodgers may not need to add a starter, but they'll surely check in on him.
The Brewers are also in the mix for Skubal. For similar reasons, this would be tough for the Braves. Milwaukee is absolutely going to make the playoffs, and the southpaw only makes them more formidable. Atlanta will have to make a really strong offer if they want to steal him away from either of these teams.
The Phillies making a move for Byron Buxton
Philadelphia has reached another rough stretch where they aren't winning a lot of games. It's helped the Braves increase their division lead back to six games over the Phillies. However, the trade deadline can quickly change things for them. Byron Buxton has been said to be willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Phillies should they reach a deal.
Atlanta really needs a right-handed outfielder at the deadline, and Buxton fits that perfectly. However, he would have to approve that decision. Philly landing him would greatly improve their offense, as he's having a great season with 25 homers so far. The one silver lining is that Buxton seems to stay injured, and that would be hilarious for the Phillies to trade for him only to land on the injured list shortly after.
CJ Abrams landing with the Yankees
It's no secret the Braves need to sort out the shortstop position. It hasn't been a very good spot for them offensively the last few years. Abrams could solve that, with a couple of years of control left. That will make him a bit pricey, along with his outstanding season. There are a few teams that are rumored to have interest in Abrams, but the Yankees would be the worst. Even though it makes sense for them, and he fills a need. New York is one of those teams that fans just love to hate, and we don't want them to have nice things.
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