Braves get needed depth in trade with Royals

Atlanta Braves address pair of weaknesses in trade with Kansas City Royals

Falter had five ineffective appearances after missing approximately six weeks due to left elbow inflammation before being designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A in June. He allowed 15 runs on 24 hits and six walks over 9.2 innings, striking out six batters. Falter has been solid in Triple-A, however, posting a 3.35 ERA and a 1.488 WHiP over his 43 innings, striking out 46 batters with 20 walks. He has experience as a starter and reliever and could serve as a viable depth option in Atlanta.

Braun was ranked as the Braves' eighth-best prospect by MLB.com. A sixth-round draft pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Braun rapidly rose through the Braves system, reaching Triple-A in 2025. He has a six-pitch mix that plays up due to his excellent control, giving him the potential ceiling of a fourth starter. Nonetheless, he has found success despite his relatively average arsenal, posting a 3.53 ERA and a 1.272 WHiP over his 94.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, striking out 82 batters with 27 walks.

Holton was a second-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft but made only one start for the Braves before requiring Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2025 season. He is healthy once again this season and has posted a 4.32 ERA and a 1.368 WHiP over his 41.2 innings between the Florida Complex League and A-Ball, striking out 41 batters with 16 walks. Holton has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, a potentially plus slider and a slow curve. He carries significant relief risk, but could rapidly move through the Royals system if he is shifted to the bullpen on a full-time basis.