The Atlanta Braves have a lot of work to do at the MLB Trade Deadline, which is just under two months away. There are some trades they should make, and other they should avoid like the plague.
The Braves are among the best teams in the National League for a reason, but if they are to represent the NL in the World Series, they need to make the right moves come late July. Alex Anthopoulos is seemingly a master at that.
Pitching is the most glaring need for the Braves this summer. Max Fried and Kyle Wright are out long-term, and even if one or both is back come July 31, they cannot count on both coming back at full strength. Setbacks can happen. It's only human nature.
The lineup still possesses a few obvious gaps. Orlando Arcia has filled in nicely at shortstop, so Anthopoulos doesn't have to necessarily make a trade at such an in-demand position. Outfield, however, is a need. Eddie Rosario/Sam Hilliard/Kevin Pillar can only fill in for so long. A World Series team should not have such an obvious roster hole.
Braves trade to make: Deal for Alex Cobb
FanSided's Cody Williams laid out the case for an Alex Cobb trade just a few days ago. He's one of the best assets the San Francisco Giants have, and odds are they will be sellers come the trade deadline given the division they reside in.
"Cobb has legitimately pitched like a Cy Young candidate this season, as surprising as that may sound. Through 10 starts with San Francisco, he's posted a 4-1 record with a 2.17 ERA and 1.31 WHIP on the season. He's also posted a Quality Start in half of his outings this year, showing immense prowess from the 35-year-old veteran.
What makes Cobb intriguing as a trade target, though, is that his contract is almost up with just a $10 million club option remaining for next season."
It should be noted that those numbers need updating. At the time of this writing, Cobb has a 3.05 ERA after his worst start of the season against the Angels. Yes, it's just one bad start, but it's worth keeping an eye on if you're Atlanta.
Assuming he's right, Cobb could slide right in to the middle of the Braves rotation once Fried and/or Wright come back. He's exactly what Atlanta needs, and likely at an affordable cost.
Braves trade to avoid: Shane Bieber
Sure, Shane Bieber is available for trade, but unless the Braves plan on signing him long term he isn't worth the price tag. Trading for Bieber would require Atlanta to trade away their best prospects and then some. It's important to note that the Braves farm system isn't exactly the strongest, making this deal more about quantity than quality. Anthopoulos would have to empty the cupboard. That's a lot to ask.
In an article I wrote earlier Saturday, I outlined exactly what it would take to land Bieber. The likes of Vaughn Grissom, Jared Shuster and A.J. Smith-Shawver are a good place to start. Grissom could be the Braves shortstop of the future. Shuster is a former first-round pick and already in the starting rotation. Smith-Shawver is just 20 years old and already in the major leagues. He's on the fast track to joining the rotation as well.
Is all of that worth giving up for any one player, especially one who will be a free agent after next season? Bieber comes with an expense, and if Atlanta is willing to pay him, why not just sign Max Fried, who is currently on the roster and has proven he can pitch in the postseason?
Trading for Bieber, especially with a looming free agent in Fried already on the roster, would go against the grain for Anthopoulos. I don't see it happening.
Braves trade to make: Joc Pederson
Another trade, another San Francisco Giant. Joc Pederson has a special place in the heart of Atlanta Braves fans for a reason. In 2021, his pearls led the Braves to their first World Series in decades. If Atlanta hopes to make another run, then perhaps they should bring back a fan favorite, who is once again on a rental contract.
Pederson hasn't been his usual self this season, but he's just one year removed from an All-Star Game. He can be had for cheap since San Francisco is looking to sell. Perhaps returning to familiar territory and a winning situation will rejuvenate Pederson. At the very least, he is better than what the Braves are currently running out in left field.
At his best, Pederson offers defensive versatility and power at the plate. While he's currently on the injured list, Pederson should be healthy by late July, and he offers an affordable outfield option that the team won't have to pay beyond this season. He's exactly what the Braves need, for better or worse.
Such a move also keeps Atlanta's options open with Marcell Ozuna and/or Travis d'Arnaud at designated hitter.
Braves trade to avoid: Eduardo Rodriguez
Just a month ago, Eduardo Rodriguez was one of the best up-and-coming starting pitchers on the trade market. He was expected to be affordable given the looming opt-out in his contract, and perhaps an ace in the making.
But that was a month ago. Rodriguez has since suffered an injury to his finger, which could keep him out for close to a month. If he is out that long, then there is no guarantee the Tigers will trade him at all. In fact, Detroit would be better served hanging onto him, as Rodriguez would likely opt into the final few years of his deal. No suitor would want to be on the hook for the remainder of his contract, especially without knowing exactly how severe this injury is.
In the last two years, Rodriguez has shown flashes of brilliance. He also missed the majority of last season. E-Rod was expected to be the top starting pitcher on the trade market. It would have given new Tigers general manager Scott Harris unprecedented power, and a chance to make his imprint on this Detroit roster. Instead, Rodriguez remains an unknown.
From the Braves perspective, they cannot afford to take a such a chance. Rodriguez has been solid when healthy, but who knows how he'll look when he returns?
Braves trade to make: Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito knows his future is uncertain. The Chicago White Sox are losing — a lot, I might add — and the team is likely to sell at the trade deadline. Giolito, being a rental for a contending team, could net them a decent prospect return. So far this season, he is 4-4 with a 4.08 ERA and 1.259 WHIP. With the right pitching staff around him, Giolito can be a top-of-the-rotation starter. Why not Atlanta, with Max Fried, Kyle Wright and Spencer Strider to lead the way?
Asked just a few days ago about the possibility of being moved, Giolito has embraced the possibility of moving elsewhere.
"The fortunate part of it is that none of that stuff is relevant until after the season is over," Giolito told the Chicago Sun-Times. "It's all about living in the present and pitching in the present. It's about going out and giving us a chance to win every time."
It seems unlikely that Giolito will sign long term in Chicago. He's making just over $10 million in his final season of arbitration. The player himself is open to just about anything.
"I think there is a possibility for anything, really," he said. "We'll see how that plays out."
Giolito would be affordable for Atlanta. Alex Anthopoulos likes affordable. Perhaps a package with Giolito and Tim Anderson could be on the table? Either way, expect Anthopoulos to place a call to White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.