Atlanta Braves pitching targets ahead of trade deadline

Rumors that the Atlanta Braves are adding an arm to their rotation before the trade deadline aren’t new. But after another lackluster performance from Charlie Morton in the 7-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, they need a little more help than an outfield hitter.

Let’s take a look at four potential starting pitchers the Braves could select before the trade deadline. This list is in no particular order.

Garrett Crochet – The Chicago White Sox

In another scenario, the White Sox will likely keep Crochet. He’s a young pitcher (25) making his starting debut and has two years of control left. A perfect piece to form the core of a team looking to build a contender.

But the White Sox are on pace for one of the worst seasons in MLB history and have a weak farm system. ranked 20th to start 2024The hook is a key element to building a better farm.

The Braves’ acquisition of Crochet isn’t talked about much, but it’s a move that makes sense.

The Braves could use another young arm who can help them win right now. They’d get younger, taking Morton’s role, and they could be prepared in case they lose Max Fried — he’s a free agent this winter.

The price tag could be steep. The White Sox likely want top prospects. The Braves have a stockpile of top prospects. They could sell a few arms, maybe some position prospects, for left-handed Crochet and still be ready to go.

Tarik Skubal – The Detroit Tigers

The Braves have recently been named as a contender for Skubal. That’s no surprise. He’s having a great season — 2.37 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 18 starts. The Tigers would likely get a nice haul from the Braves, too, and that would be worth the price.

The problem here is that the Tigers are preparing for long-term competition. Trading Skubal could delay the competitive window by trading their ace.

If the Braves find a way to land Skubal, they’ll have to bring in every player with the best MLB credentials to make a deal happen.

A deal would likely involve one of the following pitchers: AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep or Spencer Schwellenbach. They also need hitters, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Nacho Alvarez is part of the asking price.

Like Crochet, Skubal offers a proven option, but with more starting experience, that the Braves could acquire as a younger, long-term option before the deadline.

Zach Eflin– The Tampa Bay Rays

Eflin continues to emerge as a potential addition for the Braves. He has emerged again recently July 8 on CBS SportsThe Rays’ de facto No. 1 starter would provide a boost to the back end of the rotation.

In 17 starts, Eflin has a 3.99 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings pitched. Eflin also has plenty of playoff experience. In 2022 for the Phillies, Eflin had a 3.72 ERA in 9 2/3 innings pitched, including 4 1/3 scoreless innings in the World Series. However, his lone start with the Rays last season didn’t go as well. He allowed five runs in five innings.

Eflin also wouldn’t need a huge amount. The Rays reportedly want a quality prospect, but that would probably be enough. The Braves also have the option of taking on Eflin’s salary — he’s owed $18 million next season plus the remainder of the $11 million owed this year — to reduce the cost of the acquisition.

Nathan Eovaldi – Texas Rangers

With Max Scherzer making it clear he won’t be waiving his no-trade clause — at least for now — we turn to another Rangers starter. The Rangers would still have to decide whether to sell, but Eovaldi is easier to move.

The same story that linked Eflin to the Braves also linked Eovaldi to the team. The 34-year-old starting pitcher is having arguably his best season yet. In 15 starts, Eovaldi has a 3.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP — both career bests. Eovaldi doesn’t just bring playoff experience, he brings big-league experience, too.

The two-time All-Star is a two-time World Series champion (2018 Red Sox, 2023 Rangers). In 17 postseason games, Eovaldi has a 3.05 ERA in 79 2/3 innings pitched.

Eovaldi reportedly has a transfer option for 2025. That option would kick in if he reaches 300 total innings in 2023 and 2024. He’s currently at 231. He should get there if healthy, but Eovaldi’s injury history doesn’t guarantee it. He’s already missed a few starts this season.

If they succeed, the Braves could still exercise the $5 million buyout this offseason.

The reward is high enough to warrant a call to the Rangers about Eovaldi. The risk also means the Braves may not have to give up as much in return.

This season, the MLB trade deadline is July 30 at 4 p.m.