It's no secret that the Atlanta Braves need starting pitching. Between injuries, some ugly regression, and inexperience, Chris Sale has become the only dependable starting pitcher on the Braves staff. With the deadline approaching, and so many teams still in the playoff race, it's hard to gauge who will be available.
However, Royals All-Star Michael Wacha is one obvious fit for the Braves. The Royals are well out of a playoff race, and the Braves aren't necessrily looking to blow up their farm system. However, Wacha's odd contract and overall value could get in the way of an actual deal.
Michael Wacha's odd contract status could complicate potential Braves trade
Although Michael Wacha might not be a household name, it doesn't mean he's accolade-free. As a rookie back in 2013, Wacha took home NLCS MVP after pitching 13.2 shutout innings in the series. Two years later, he made his first All-Star Game. Then this season, he represented Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and made his second All-Star appearance.
Although Wacha has never once received Cy Young voting, he's been a relatively consistent, steady pitcher throughout his career. His 3.77 ERA this season is not far off of his 3.88 career ERA, while his 4.00 FIP is just a tick higher than his career 3.97 ERA. He has had a bWAR of at least 2.0 in six of his 14 seasons, but never had a bWAR above 3.2.
By all measures, Wacha, who is in his age-34 season, is a middle-of-the-rotation arm. However, between the $15 million he's owed after this season, along with a team option for 2028 that includes escalators, building a trade package that fits both Kansas City and Atlanta's price is easier said than done.
For Atlanta, knowing that Wacha will fit into next year's plans could be a plus. However, knowing they'd need to allocate $14 million next season to an aging pitcher, and at least $1 million for the season after, as Wacha's 2028 club option contains a buyout could also be viewed as a negative. Additionally, Wacha's team option is currently worth $14 million, but an innings pitched incentive could up that by $4 million.
Last season, the D-Backs netted three of the Rangers top 15 prospects for Merrill Kelly, who was having a slightly better season than Wacha is currently having, but was in the final year of his contract.
In 2024, the Orioles acquired Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays, who was still owed $18 million for the following season, and had a 4.09 ERA with the Rays. The Rays received the Orioles 10th and 17th prospects, as well as one prospect outside the top-30.
Neither Kelly nor Eflin were All-Stars, although it's questionable how much weight either the Royals or Braves would put into Wacha's All-Star selection this year when it comes to building a trade package. Still, it's just another aspect that could be used in negoations.
It's easy to see a situation where the Braves and Royals don't see eye to eye on how to value Wacha, and could lead to the Braves going elsewhere for their starting pitching needs.
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