Zach Eflin would have made a lot of sense for the Braves, but there are viable options to explore.
After weeks of silence, it’s safe to say that things have picked up in MLB, with transactions aplenty. Randy Arozarena is the most well-known figure engaged in a move thus far, but for the Atlanta Braves, a separate transaction stings much more.
On paper, the Baltimore Orioles’ acquisition of Zach Eflin appears to be a reasonably competitive deal. Sure, the Rays have earned the benefit of the doubt in terms of trades, but Eflin makes perfect sense for the Braves for a variety of reasons.
He has experience in the NL East, an extra year of control, and advanced metrics point to a strong second half. Eflin wasn’t a game-changer for Atlanta, but he was one of the best and most feasible choices for Alex Anthopoulos to explore. It’s now up to Anthopoulos to pivot before other starters fly off the board.
4. The Braves should look into the Tigers’ asking price for Jack Flaherty
Anthopoulos should make acquiring a starter pitcher with club control his top priority. Max Fried is due to face free agency at the end of the season, and given how the Braves operate, he could be gone. Spencer Strider’s return date is unknown following the internal bracing treatment. Charlie Morton may easily retire at age 41. Their 2025 rotation could have a very different look.
Having said that, a rental of Jack Flaherty’s caliber is difficult to pass up. No, it would not be ideal to see him leave after only a few months with the club, but for the right price? Why not?
Flaherty has had a successful season with the Detroit Tigers, with a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts and 106.2 innings pitched. He has 133 strikeouts and only 19 walks, demonstrating not only exceptional pitching but also impeccable command.
A postseason rotation consisting of Flaherty, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Morton would be intimidating for any opponent. No, they shouldn’t give up such a large sum for Flaherty, but if they can obtain him for a reasonable price, it’ll be too tempting to pass up. Who knows, Anthopoulos might have another one of his patented extensions up his sleeves.
3. Tyler Anderson would be a wise under-the-radar addition for the Braves
Tyler Anderson has had an incredible bounce-back season for the Los Angeles Angels, with a 2.91 ERA in 20 starts and 123.2 innings pitched. He was named All-Star for the second time in three seasons.
As impressive as his results appear, there are reasons to suspect some regression is in order. He has struck out only 6.5 batters per nine. He’s with a 4.44 FIP. He has 4.31 xERA. Even though he probably isn’t a sub-3.00 ERA pitcher, he doesn’t have to be for this Braves team. He’d be a solid innings eater in the back of their rotation nonetheless.
The 34-year-old has one year left on a three-year contract he signed with the Angels prior of the 2023 season for $13 million, which is a steal for a starting pitcher of Anderson’s caliber these days. Without much confidence in the rotation for next season, having Anderson locked in as a No. 4 or 5 starter without breaking the bank or surrendering a lot of prospects would be a gain.
2. Chris Bassitt would give this Braves rotation a major boost
This one may be a stretch given that reports indicate that the Toronto Blue Jays have no interest in trading players under club control after the 2024 season, but you’d have to believe that if the Braves made a good enough offer, they’d be willing to let Bassitt go.
The Jays have had a dismal season, but Bassitt has been one of the few players on the team to generally match expectations. He has a 3.78 ERA after 21 starts and 119 innings of work, pitching like the mid-rotation arm he has always been.
Bassitt’s $22 million salary in 2025 may make the Braves less inclined to consider him, but he’s highly durable and steady even at 35 years old, and he has some postseason experience.
He’s not an ace, but there aren’t many ace-type pitchers available, and the Braves don’t really need one. He’d be a significant upgrade and would slot comfortably in the midst of their rotation this season and next.
1. Erick Fedde’s contract makes him a dream target
Garrett Crochet has dominated trade discussion surrounding the Chicago White Sox, and it’s easy to see why, but according to the most recent sources, the southpaw will almost probably not be sold. The Braves were unlikely to be involved in the Crochet sweepstakes, but with him out of the picture, all attention should be on Erick Fedde. That is something the Braves should examine.
Crochet has been Chicago’s finest pitcher, but Fedde has impressed in his own right, with a 2.98 ERA in 20 appearances and 117.2 innings pitched. He lacks Flaherty’s lightning strikeout ability, but he has good strike zone command and limits hard contact.
Fedde’s contract is the most appealing aspect of his profile. The 31-year-old is owed only $7.5 million next season, an incredibly low salary for a pitcher with a sub-3.00 ERA more than halfway through the season. Even if Fedde regresses little after the deadline, he’d be well worth the money.
He shouldn’t cost an outrageous amount in terms of prospects, would be a significant boost, and would allow the Braves to add even more to their roster next season.
