With only a few days until the trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves find themselves in an intriguing situation.
Despite losing two key players (Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider) to injuries, Atlanta remains the top Wild Card team in the National League.
Injuries of that magnitude would crush some teams, but not the Braves. Atlanta is one of baseball’s deepest teams, and despite losing both superstars, it has piled up wins.
The Braves still have a chance to compete for a World Series championship this season, but a good trade deadline is required to keep those aspirations alive. Some have theorized that the Braves should sign a starting pitcher, and one option is Los Angeles Angels two-time All-Star Tyler Anderson.
Anderson has been an All-Star in two of the last three seasons, including the 2024 season, and is definitely a trade target. Los Angeles is experiencing another tough season, and it appears that Anderson will be on the move. He was also included in MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand’s list of seven All-Stars who could be moved.
“An All-Star for the second time in three years, Anderson has been one of the few bright spots in the Angels’ rotation this season,” says Feinsand. “The 34-year-old finished 8-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 19 starts (118 innings) in the first half, finishing in the 86th percentile in opponents’ average exit velocity and hard-hit %.
“Anderson is owed approximately $5 million this season and will earn $13 million in the final year of his deal, 2025. Given the scarcity of quality starting pitching expected this month, the Angels could have several suitors for Anderson, who is doing his best to ignore trade rumors.”
The All-Star lefty would not only help the Braves this season, but also in 2025. Atlanta is largely regarded as one of baseball’s top teams, and the club should invest in itself by getting another pitcher.