The greatest prospective starting pitcher trade targets for Braves

Over the next few weeks, the noise around the trade deadline will build in waves.

The Braves are likely to be among the most active teams, having battled with a slew of injuries while still in the midst of their championship window. Despite the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, the team cannot afford to give up this season. There is simply too much skill on this team not to pursue it.

If you choose to see the bright side of things, Alex Anthopoulos has plenty of options for improving the Braves’ squad. The most obvious need is in the outfield, but shortstop is also a major concern, and additional pitching in any capacity is always beneficial.

Over at The Athletic, Jim Bowden polled a slew of executives, asking, “Who will be the best player at each position traded ahead of the deadline?”

There were several intriguing comments, and while the Braves should be interested in all of them, it is my responsibility to make things reasonable. Some of the marquee names that will be made available will be out of Alex Anthopoulos’ reach due to a weak farm system, but many of these players are extremely accessible and should be on the Braves’ radar.

Top Starting Pitcher Trade Targets For Braves

Jack Flaherty

The old Jack Flaherty was a formidable opponent until his ailments struck. From 2020 to 2022, he participated in only 35 games (32 starts), and in his first complete healthy season last year, he had a 4.99 ERA. Nothing extraordinary, but he was able to sign with the Tigers on a one-year contract, and it’s one of those transactions that might really benefit Detroit at the trade deadline.

Jack Flaherty looks all the way back. In fact, he may be even better than the pitcher he was in 2019, when he placed fourth in the NL Cy Young contest at the age of 23. In 14 starts this season, he has a 2.92 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and 0.972 WHIP, striking out roughly 12 batters per nine innings. If the Tigers make Flaherty available, he will be one of the most desirable commodities on the market. However, given his one-year contract, he should be available to the Braves if they make him a priority.

Luis Severino

Severino may not be a viable trade target for the Braves because he is now with the Mets, who are unlikely to aid the Braves and may not be sellers as the trade deadline approaches. However, if Cohen’s team is willing to work with Anthopoulos, Severino is another starting pitcher worth considering for the Braves.

The former Yankees great was considered to be on Anthopoulos’ radar as a buy-low candidate, but I don’t think anyone is moaning about Chris Sale or Reynaldo Lopez. Severino is still enjoying a good bounce-back season after signing a one-year deal with the Mets, with a 3.29 ERA in 15 starts. He’d be an excellent choice to fill out the Braves’ rotation.

Zach Eflin

Bob Nightengale, an MLB insider, linked the Braves to Zach Eflin over a month ago.

“Atlanta is keeping a close eye on Tampa Bay Rays veteran starter Zach Eflin if they decide to need another starter at the trade deadline,” reported Bob Nightengale for USA Today Sports in late May.

Eflin, a veteran, spent the first seven years of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. That experience with the NL East, as well as his 10.50 K/BB ratio, may appeal to the Braves. Eflin is in the second year of a three-year, $40 million contract, and he may help fill out Atlanta’s rotation next season if Charlie Morton retires.

Yusei Kikuchi

If the Blue Jays blow things up, Kikuchi, who is in the final year of his contract, will almost probably be traded. He, like many of the other players on this list, is unlikely to be a front-line starter for the Braves, but he is more than capable of pitching in a postseason game if necessary. In 16 starts this season, he has an even 4.00 ERA, a 3.52 FIP, and a 9.3 K/9.