Just a few days ago, the word was that the Atlanta Braves weren't going to be heavily involved in the starting pitching trade market. The rotation has been largely excellent and while a little more depth would be nice, the team was expecting Max Fried back soon which took some of the pressure off there and their focus was on adding an outfield bat.
Unfortunately, things can change very quickly and they have for the Braves. We are still awaiting word on just how hurt Reynaldo Lopez is and if he is out for a while, that would be a massive blow to Atlanta's pitching depth especially with some of their young guys unworthy of trust so far. A pivot on the trade market certainly makes some sense in that world.
However, few would have expected the Braves to be immediately connected to the best starter that is actually available on the trade market in Garrett Crochet.
Braves are among teams considering White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. Makes sense for them if they can muster decent return. They have multiple injury losses/concerns at the top of their rotation and Crochet salary ($800K) is very reasonable.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2024
Braves "considering" trade for Garrett Crochet ahead of looming deadline
For the Braves, the appeal of Crochet is pretty obvious. He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2024, is making next to nothing this season, and is under team control through 2026. There isn't a team in baseball that wouldn't love to have an arm like that, but trading for Crochet could be easier said than done.
By all accounts, the White Sox's asking price for Crochet is very high and both the Padres and Dodgers are already in on him. Even ignoring Crochet's "demand" that he get a contract extension before he would be willing to pitch in the postseason, it is unclear if the Braves even have the assets to swing a deal for Crochet without dipping into their big league roster.
Whatever the actual machinations behind the scenes and the level of the Braves' interest, it is now abundantly clear that Atlanta could be more involved in the starting pitching trade market than we all thought. That may mean that less-than-great news about Reynaldo Lopez could be coming.