After a tough first half, the Atlanta Braves have some tough decisions to consider as the trade deadline approaches. There is a lot of talent locked up for the foreseeable future, but there are a few players who could be used to improve the team.
The Braves have stated publicly that they do not have a desire to move Chris Sale or any player who has club control beyond 2025. However, there are a few players with expiring contracts that could be useful in a trade scenario.
Atlanta has a tough road ahead in the second half, so they'll certainly want to make trades that help improve the club now, but probably with additional focus on next season.
The main players likely to be available are Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and Pierce Johnson. Ozuna could bring a haul, but he has 10-5 rights which allow him to veto any trade he disapproves of. Iglesias has struggled this season, but still has veteran experience and has looked better lately. Lastly, Johnson is one of Atlanta's best relievers and will certainly garner plenty of interest.
Pierce Johnson could be a valuable trade piece for the Braves at the deadline
Johnson feels like the player most likely on the move at the deadline, as he has a team option for the 2026 season. He's impressed this season with a 2.67 ERA over 33.2 innings, with one save, seven holds, 10 walks, and 36 strikeouts. That's good enough for a 27.3% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate on the season.
That's the kind of stuff contending teams will be in the market for at the deadline. The only thing he needs to improve on is missing more barrels and inducing more chase with his breaking ball. Teams aren't hitting well against his fastball, with a .125 average against. The curveball remains effective, with an opponent's average of .247 and a 27.9% whiff rate.
He could probably return a mid-level prospect or two to Atlanta. He won't net the Braves a massive return given his age, position, and not have a ton of team control, but Atlanta may be able to find a team desperately in need of a quality reliever to provide them with a decent return.