Each passing day puts us closer and closer to the MLB trade deadline which will likely be the busiest time of year for Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos. From the injuries Atlanta has had to face this season to the question marks at the back end of the starting rotation, there are needs that should be addressed if the Braves wish to make a World Series run in 2024.
As we prepare for one of the most exciting times of the year for baseball fans, we thought it would be fun to take a look back on some of the trades made in Braves history that turned out super lopsided whether it was in Atlanta's favor or not. Let's start with the trades the Braves won.
Max Fried to Atlanta for Justin Upton
Following the 2014 season, the Atlanta Braves made it clear they were going into full on rebuild mode. Notable players were dealt elsewhere but this one specifically is worth noting. Atlanta sent slugger Justin Upton and Aaron Northcraft to the Padres for Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, Mallex Smith and Max Fried.
Upton went on to have a couple more all-star seasons but his performance declined shortly after. We all know what Max Fried has done for the Braves organization and is continuing to do in 2024 so it is safe to say that Atlanta won this trade in the long run.
Max Fried, Vicious 94mph Cutting Fastball. 😤 pic.twitter.com/rwRWbUUyyO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 29, 2024
Atlanta lands Swanson and Inciarte
When you dig deep, the Braves actually won two seperate trades that involved Shelby Miller. Atlanta acquired the right handed starter in a trade that sent Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals. Of course it hurt Atlanta to let go to the hometown kid in Heyward but Miller shined in his lone season with the Braves.
Although Shelby Miller had more losses in 2015 than any other pitcher in baseball, he posted an impressive 3.02 ERA and made the All-Star Game. He pitched well enough for the Braves to fleece the Diamondbacks by sending him to Arizona for Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair.
Braves steal a Hall of Famer
This one may go down as the most lopsided trade in Atlanta Braves history, however, it did not exactly start that way. In August of 1987, John Smoltz was in AA for the Detroit Tigers. He was dealt to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander.
Alexander ended the 1987 season going 9-0 for the Tigers and posting a 1.53 ERA. At the time, it appeared the Tigers won the trade. Just two seasons later at the age of 38, Doyle Alexander ended his MLB career and Smoltz was just getting started.
A Hall of Fame career by Smoltz that included a Cy Young Award and 8 All-Star Game appearances proved that the Atlanta Braves got the best in this deal with the Tigers.
Now let's take a look back on a couple of trades that did not work out so well for the Braves organization.