The Atlanta Braves wrapped up Hank Aaron weekend at Truist Park with a series sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. They have improved their MLB-best record to 67-36.
It's hot in Atlanta 😎#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/k9yLSwvXVC
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 30, 2023
While the Braves were busy putting up absurd offensive numbers, other organizations were getting a head start on the trade deadline madness. Some of the players that were dealt could have fit nicely in Atlanta, but either cost too much or were not viewed as a necessity.
The Texas Rangers have made the most noise so far by acquiring both Max Scherzer from the Mets and Jordan Montgomery from the Cardinals to bulk up their starting rotation. Luisangel Acuna, the brother of Braves' superstar Ronald Acuna, was sent to the Mets in exchange for Scherzer. He was the Rangers' #3 prospect.
St. Louis also dealt one of their most dependent bullpen arms, Jordan Hicks, to the Toronto Blue Jays. Outside of Jack Flaherty, the Cardinals may no longer have anyone the Braves are interested in.
In a surprising turn of events, there have also been teams that were seemingly locked to be sellers at the deadline and are now looking to make a playoff push of their own. The Los Angeles Angels acquired starting pitcher Lucas Giolito from the Chicago White Sox and made it clear they are retaining Shohei Ohtani.
The Angels also acquired outfielder Randal Grichuk and first baseman C.J. Cron on Sunday evening.
They are 5.5 games back in their division and 4 games out of a wild card spot. The Angels feel this is close enough to make a push for the playoffs.
The Chicago Cubs are also no longer sellers as they have won 10 of their last 12 games climbing up in the NL Central standings to just 3.5 games out. It is safe to say that Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman who were once considered top trade targets for multiple teams are staying put in the Windy City.