Braves linked to two high-profile trade targets

The Braves have won six of their previous seven games, and the club is beginning to resemble the version that so many envisioned entering the season.

The Phillies have dropped five of their last eight games, bringing the NL East margin down to 7.0 games.

The pitching staff remains one of the greatest in baseball, but the bats have finally woke up after a two-month hibernation. Atlanta’s injuries have not subsided, however.

Most recently, Michael Harris II was bitten by the illness, joining the IL with a hamstring injury on the weekend. The Braves have faced one challenge after another, but they are proving to be resilient.

With the MLB trade deadline just over a month away, many will link the Braves to outfielders on the market, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post believes Atlanta should target a pair of high-profile arms in Tyler Anderson and Jesus Luzardo.

Tyler Anderson, Angels SP

Heyman feels the Halos and Bravos make perfect trading partners. Anderson’s 2.58 ERA over 14 starts and 89.1 innings is similar to his All-Star campaign in 2022, when he had a 2.57 ERA and 1.002 WHIP.

Anderson would be an excellent addition to the Braves’ rotation in 2025, alleviating some of their issues. He’s in the second year of a $42 million three-year contract, and Atlanta might lose Max Fried and Charlie Morton this winter.

Heyman believes there is a “good” possibility Anderson will be traded, but the Braves may be wary of a potential deal because his underlying analytics show he is due for regression. His 4.69 FIP and 1.191 WHIP are not optimal.

Jesus Luzardo, Marlins SP

Luzardo will be among the most sought-after pitchers at the trade deadline, regardless of his numbers this season. He has a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts and 66.2 innings, but his 4.25 FIP indicates that it should be lower. Furthermore, his track record of producing will attract clubs. The 26-year-old had a 3.48 ERA in 50 starts and 279.0 innings during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Luzardo, like Anderson, has the potential to be a long-term fixture in the Braves rotation. He is under team control through the 2026 season. The Marlins will undoubtedly be able to get a good return for him. There’s also the fact that trades inside the division are uncommon, but the Fish have previously completed deals with the Braves and Phillies, which is worth remembering.