The Atlanta Braves really have to consider adding a quality starting pitcher at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. The injuries have messed things up, and the rotation, for the most part, has faltered as of late. One need only look at Martin Perez's struggles against the Cardinals on Tuesday to see that the Braves' pitching only seems to be getting worse.
There should be some great options available at the deadline this year. Tarik Skubal will be the player everyone is watching to be moved. The Braves have been linked to him, but that would take a massive haul to acquire him. The Tigers could also simply hold on to Skubal and enjoy his final year. But they'd be unwise not to attempt to get some value out of his final few months.
Atlanta would have a better shot at attempting to trade for one of Skubal's rotation mates instead.
Casey Mize would be a great trade target at the deadline for the Braves if the Tigers end up selling
Casey Mize was once a top prospect and number one overall pick for the Tigers, and his future was very bright. Unfortunately, he has dealt with injuries over the first few years of his career, and that led to some underperformance. Mize is having a great season in 2026, however. He is being paid $6.15 million, and that would be an easy remaining salary for Atlanta to cover. It shouldn't take much to acquire the pending free agent.
The former Auburn standout has a 2.63 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, 14 walks, and 68 strikeouts over 65 innings pitched this season. He has a career-best strikeout rate of 26.9% through his 12 starts for Detroit. His walk rate is also incredibly good at 5.5% this season.
Now, Mize's fastball won't blow anyone away as it averages 93.5 mph, but opponents are only batting .179 against the pitch. He pairs that fastball with a slider, a splitter, a sinker, and a slurve. Those first three pitches have worked pretty well for him. The latter two pitches could use a little tweaking.
Mize has dealt with a couple of minor groin issues this season, and his health could be a concern for the Braves. They've dealt with that enough at this point. However, should he remain healthy and continue pitching like he is, he would be a great addition to the rotation. The plus is that he's much more affordable than Skubal and wouldn't hurt the team as much if he were simply a rental option.
There's no reason the Braves should not consider taking a chance on Mize, assuming that the Tigers do decide to sell at the trade deadline. He's from Braves Country and is the kind of starter Atlanta likes to have in the rotation. His addition would give them an easier time moving someone like Grant Holmes to the bullpen to help improve that avenue as well.
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