With trade deadline rumors starting to heat up as we near August 3rd. The Atlanta Braves have found themselves tied to a few names already, but southpaw Tarik Skubal is the one that stands out the most. Somewhat surprisingly, Atlanta has been linked to Skubal, and the Braves have the prospect capital to get the job done. Of course, they'll have to compete with a few other teams for his services, like the Dodgers, Brewers, etc.
That will certainly drive the price up, but there's no doubt Atlanta needs a quality starter like him if they can build the right package. However, there are a few prospects who should be off limits for Skubal.
These prospects are ones that the Braves should try to not include in any Tarik Skubal trade
Tate Southisene
Southisene is having a fantastic season in the minor leagues. Atlanta's top 2025 draft pick has played his way up to Double-A, thanks to a .278/.408/.467 slash line, 18 doubles, 12 homers, 45 stolen bases, 46 RBI, 65 walks, 94 strikeouts, and an .875 OPS over three levels.
He is certainly proving why he was a first-round pick. This is absolutely a candidate to become Atlanta's full-time shortstop. The unfortunate thing is Southisene was hit on the wrist by a pitch in his first game with Double-A Columbus. He has been placed on the seven-game injured list due to the injury, but there's a lot to look forward to with Southisene.
Briggs McKenzie
Briggs McKenzie is a lefty who was taken in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, and he's looked great in his first full pro season. The southpaw has a 2.08 ERA over seven starts at three different levels (Rookie ball, Low-A, and High-A), with 12 walks and 31 strikeouts.
Atlanta needs to hold on to a lefty who has a very good breaking ball. McKenzie will add some velocity to his fastball as he strengthens, but will need to develop his changeup more to give some different looks. Cam Caminiti has a slightly higher ceiling, but he feels like he's a necessary part of any trade package for Skubal.
Eric Hartman
Hartman went from an unknown prospect to arguably Atlanta's best prospect this year. He was a 20th-round pick in the 2024 draft and has really turned things up his second pro season with the Braves. He has slugged 18 doubles and 24 home runs at High-A Rome this season, with a .278/.366/.537 slash line over 356 at-bats.
He's only 19, but there's so much to like, including his ability to run very well. Hartman has 48 stolen bases this season and would be such a great addition for the Braves one day. He feels like the kind of player you hold on to. A package for Skubal is going to require some top talent, so expect players like Caminiti, Alex Lodise, John Gil, Conor Essenburg, and/or JR Ritchie to be included in any offers.
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