The draft and All-Star break are in the rearview mirror. A long, frustrating offseason dominated by the lockout is ahead. Move now, or go golfing in October. For the Atlanta Braves, the next couple of weeks leading into the trade deadline could make or break their 2026 season.
In my first trade deadline post, I spelled out why the Braves need two starters and at least one bat. Today, Mark Bowman’s newsletter said the same things: Spencer Strider’s availability seems doubtful, Spencer Schwellenbach’s availability is unclear, Chris Sale is Atlanta’s only playoff-caliber starting pitcher, and the Braves need a bat before Ronald Acuña Jr. returns.
The Braves have to add at least two starters as well as a real bat at the trade deadline
The Royals are listening to trades for Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha, but they’re asking prices no one wants to pay, so far, anyway. Wacha is the only one I’d trade for, and I’d pay well for him. The Red Sox may not trade Sonny Gray because they have to try to get into the Wildcard. Not-so-fastball Freddy Peralta’s name is the hot name, but there’s nothing in his peripherals indicating that a change of scenery would turn it around. He’s a desperation choice.
The Jays are sliding away from a postseason slot, 2.5 games out with five teams to climb over, and that isn’t easy. Kevin Gausman is an expensive option, but worth it for the Braves if the Jays sell. New Angels’ GM John Mozeliak hinted that he might move a player or two, so Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano will get some press, but Arte Moreno usually doesn’t do that.
The Twins say they’re serious about keeping Joe Ryan. If they resist a trade, Casey Mize is Ryan-lite and a pitcher the Braves could likely extend or sign back. The Braves need an Andrew Miller-like move to add depth. Antonio Senzatela (Rockies) or AJ Minter might work.
If Riley finds his bat, a RHH isn’t a priority, and if he doesn’t, one bat isn’t enough. Bowman chimed in on the handedness of the batter in today’s newsletter.
"“…adding a left-handed bat might not be necessary, but it may be more valuable than adding another right-handed hitter.”"Mark Bowman
Here are four LHH options:
- Lars Nootbaar: 28, .284/.376/.457/.833 vs RHP, Lg-AVG OF, FA 2028
- JJ Bleday (Reds): 28, .249/.360/.515/.875 vs RHP, FA 2029
- Trevor Larnach (Twins): 29, .304/.391/.460/.850 Vs RHP, FA 2028
- Daulton Varsho (Jays): 30, .270/.344/.432/.776 VS RHP in May and June, FA 2027
The Cards will buy and sell at the deadline, but Nootbaar should be available and is the perfect left fielder when Ronnie returns. Bowman pointed out that Dominic Smith’s bat has cooled off, and if Drake DHs, Spencer Steer fits as the short side DH platoon or in a corner.
That's a Wrap
The best options aren’t cheap, but for the first time in a while, the club has the capital needed to go big and win. If they don’t, it’s probably time for new ideas.