Braves strike interesting deal for starting pitcher

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Braves strike interesting deal for starting pitcher

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Aug 2, 2026 10:39 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves have made a rather interesting gamble on a new starting pitcher with the MLB trade deadline fast approaching.

The Braves have reportedly traded for San Francisco Giants right-hander Tyler Mahle to shore up their pitching staff. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Atlanta is sending out 24-year-old relief pitcher Anthony Molina in the swap.

The Atlanta Braves are acquiring right-hander Tyler Mahle in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, according to sources familiar with the deal. Anthony Molina is going to the Giants.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 3, 2026

Atlanta must feel like it can fix Mahle, who is in the midst of arguably the worst season of his career. The 31-year-old has posted a 5.13 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 18 starts this season. He’s also on pace to post a negative WAR for the first time in his 10 MLB seasons.

The Braves head into the trade deadline with a 67-45 record and are within striking distance of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers for a top-2 seed in the NL.

But rather than tinkering with its roster, Atlanta has so far opted for a pair of nondescript moves. Before the Mahle acquisition, the Braves traded for outfielder Lane Thomas, who has batted .232 with 10 home runs across 97 games this season.

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