The Atlanta Braves entered the second half of the season hoping to make a serious push toward another postseason appearance, but their biggest obstacle continues to be the same issue that has followed them throughout the year: injuries to their pitching staff.
Even after receiving some unexpected help from the New York Mets during the weekend in the National League East race, Atlanta’s situation remains complicated. The Braves’ rotation has been hit by one injury after another, leaving the front office with little choice but to explore outside options before the trade deadline.
The latest setback came when USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Atlanta was becoming increasingly doubtful that right-handed ace Spencer Strider would be able to return this season. Strider has been sidelined since June because of elbow inflammation, creating another major hole in a rotation that has already struggled to stay healthy.
Strider’s absence has added to a growing list of pitching concerns. Spencer Schwellenbach, Martin Perez, and Joey Wentz have also spent time on the injured list, while top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep recently exited a Triple-A appearance because of arm discomfort.
With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that acquiring starting pitching is the team’s top priority.
Speaking with MLB Network Radio, Anthopoulos acknowledged that Atlanta is actively looking for a difference-maker on the mound.
“If there’s a playoff-caliber starter out there, we would jump at that,” Anthopoulos said.
The Braves are not hiding their intentions. They know that championship teams are built around reliable starting pitching, and entering October with their current rotation uncertainty would be a major risk.
However, finding an impact starter will not be simple. Several teams that were expected to become sellers have remained competitive, limiting the number of available pitchers. Clubs such as the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles have become less likely to move valuable players, meaning Atlanta may have to get creative.
Here are several potential trade targets and strategies the Braves could consider before the deadline.
Freddy Peralta Would Be the Dream Addition — But It Could Cost Atlanta
If Atlanta wants a proven frontline starter, one of the most attractive names available could be Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.
The problem? He plays for the Braves’ division rival, the New York Mets.
A trade between NL East opponents is always complicated, especially when both teams understand the value of helping a direct competitor. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has built a reputation for making practical decisions rather than emotional ones.
If New York believes it can gain significant future value by moving Peralta, the rivalry may not prevent a deal.
For Atlanta, acquiring Peralta would immediately strengthen a rotation that desperately needs stability.
The Braves may have to include a significant package to convince the Mets to make such a move. One potential centerpiece could be catcher Sean Murphy, who has returned from injury and quickly impressed after his time in Triple-A.
Murphy has regained his form and shown why Atlanta believed in him when they acquired him. His power, defensive ability, and leadership behind the plate make him an appealing trade asset.
Milwaukee would likely demand young pitching as part of any Peralta deal, and Atlanta could have to sacrifice some valuable prospects.
At first glance, paying a major price for a pitcher carrying a 4.66 ERA may seem questionable. However, Peralta’s overall talent and underlying numbers suggest he remains capable of dominating.
His fastball still has excellent movement, his breaking pitches remain effective, and his track record as a high-level starter gives him significant value.
The reality for Atlanta is simple: if Peralta is unavailable, the number of true frontline options could become extremely limited.
Reid Detmers Could Give Atlanta a High-Upside Rotation Boost
Another intriguing possibility for the Braves is Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers.
Unlike Peralta, Detmers would not only provide immediate help but could also become a long-term piece of Atlanta’s rotation.
The Angels have reportedly shown openness to moving Detmers, who still has multiple years of team control remaining. That combination of talent, age, and contract flexibility makes him one of the most appealing pitchers potentially available.
Detmers has struggled at times, but many evaluators believe his underlying talent is much better than his results have shown.
His breaking pitches remain among the most impressive in baseball, and his expected statistics suggest he has been better than his surface numbers indicate.
A move to Atlanta could potentially unlock another level.
The Braves have developed a strong reputation for maximizing pitching talent, and Detmers represents exactly the type of player they typically target: a talented arm who may benefit from adjustments and a stronger supporting environment.
However, acquiring him would likely require a major prospect package.
Atlanta would probably need to begin negotiations with one of its top young pitchers, such as Drue Hackenberg or another highly regarded arm in the organization.
The Angels would also likely seek offensive prospects because their farm system lacks impact position players.
Players like Lucas Braun and other top Atlanta prospects could become part of discussions, but Anthopoulos would have to decide whether landing a potential playoff-changing starter is worth sacrificing future depth.
For a team built to compete now, the answer could be yes.
Michael Wacha Would Provide Stability If Atlanta Avoids a Blockbuster
Not every trade needs to involve a superstar.
If the Braves are unable to land one of the biggest names available, veteran right-hander Michael Wacha could represent a more realistic option.
Wacha does not bring the same upside as Peralta or Detmers, but he brings something Atlanta desperately needs: reliability.
At 35 years old, Wacha is no longer a power pitcher. His velocity is average, but his ability to command his pitches and consistently deliver quality starts remains valuable.
His changeup continues to be one of his biggest weapons, allowing him to neutralize hitters despite lacking overpowering stuff.
This season, Wacha has posted a strong ERA around the mid-3.00 range while providing his team with plenty of innings.
For a Braves rotation dealing with injuries, innings might be just as important as dominance.
A pitcher like Wacha could step into the middle of the rotation and give Atlanta a dependable option for a potential playoff series.
He also has postseason experience, something that could appeal to a Braves team with championship expectations.
The biggest concern would be his contract situation. Atlanta may not want to commit significant money to an aging pitcher, especially with future financial decisions already on the horizon.
Still, if the goal is simply finding someone capable of taking the ball every fifth day, Wacha would make plenty of sense.
Could Kevin Gausman Return to Atlanta and Revive His Career?
Another familiar name could become available if the Toronto Blue Jays decide to sell.
Kevin Gausman, who previously spent time with Atlanta during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, could represent an interesting buy-low opportunity.
The veteran right-hander has struggled this season, posting one of his worst statistical years in recent memory. His ERA has climbed above 4.00, and he has allowed more home runs than usual.
However, there are still reasons for optimism.
Gausman’s signature splitter remains one of the best pitches in baseball, and his experience gives him an advantage when navigating difficult stretches.
His fastball has become less dominant, but his ability to throw strikes and compete at a high level could make him valuable in a playoff environment.
Because of his struggles and age, Atlanta may not need to surrender premium prospects to acquire him.
The Braves could potentially land Gausman while giving up only mid-level pitching talent, making the risk much smaller.
If he can regain even part of his previous form, the reward could be significant.
A return to Atlanta could provide Gausman with a familiar environment and another opportunity to prove he can still perform at a high level.
Braves Must Decide How Aggressive They Want to Be
The Atlanta Braves built their recent success around elite talent and championship expectations. But injuries have created a situation where standing still could be dangerous.
Alex Anthopoulos has already admitted the obvious: if a playoff-caliber starter becomes available, Atlanta will aggressively pursue him.
The challenge will be balancing the desire to win now with the need to protect the organization’s future.
A blockbuster deal for someone like Freddy Peralta or Reid Detmers could transform the Braves’ postseason chances, but it would require significant investment.
More affordable options like Michael Wacha or Kevin Gausman could provide stability without sacrificing top prospects.
Regardless of the direction they choose, Atlanta’s message is clear — the rotation needs help.
With October approaching, the Braves cannot afford to enter the postseason hoping injured pitchers return or expecting inexperienced arms to carry the workload.
The trade deadline represents their opportunity to fix the biggest weakness on the roster.
The next few weeks could determine whether Atlanta remains a serious championship contender or falls short because of the pitching problems that have followed them all season.
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