With their 2025 season seemingly going down in flames, the Atlanta Braves were expected to be active on the trade market ahead of the deadline. Most observers thought that the bulk of that activity would be as deadline sellers with names like Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and Pierce Johnson already being floated as trade candidates. However, the Braves found themselves as buyers late Thursday night.
After trading reliever Michael Petersen away earlier this week, many thought that the Braves would focus on resetting their luxury tax penalties and getting geared back up for 2026. However, the number of injuries they have suffered to their pitching staff has required a bit of creativity and adding some depth did seem warranted. Add some depth they did as the Braves traded for Dane Dunning with minor league reliever Jose Ruiz and some cash heading to the Rangers.
The #Braves tonight acquired RHP Dane Dunning from the Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP José Ruiz and cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated RHP Jesse Chavez for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2025
Braves add pitching depth with trade for Dane Dunning
While taking on more salary (albeit not much at around $1 million depending on how much cash they are sending) doesn't seem to make much sense given their current situation, the Braves DO have to have arms covering innings. While Dunning has flamed out the last two seasons, he does have experience starting and gets great extension on his pitches which at least gives Atlanta something to work with. It is likely that the former first round pick from the 2016 MLB Draft will start off as a long reliever and potentially work his way into the rotation.
With Ruiz being a non-factor in the Braves' plans this season, this feels like the first domino to fall for Atlanta. Now that they went out and added some pitching depth, the Braves at least have some arms that could help the Braves limp through the second half. Adding Joey Wentz back when they did was a very similar move to this one honestly and both Wentz and Dunning appear to be short-term fixes that are unlikely to stick around.
What happens next is what really matters. The Braves could go with a very modest sell-off to try and remain respectable the rest of the season or be more aggressive in setting themselves up for the future. We will find out soon enough exactly what path they are going to choose.