Ranking the Braves trade deadline needs

At this point, nobody can really say what the Braves will do at the trade deadline. They are not out of the race yet, but this team has had some really bad stretches at different points, and with one more of those, it will be impossible for Alex Anthopoulos to ignore the inevitable.

But if the Braves can find a way to make up some ground over the next month, even if it’s just a few games in the Wild Card race, there are three really good reasons why they should be one of the more aggressive teams at the trade deadline — Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider.

Chris Sale might be on the IL now, but he’s expected to be back well before the end of the season. When healthy, he might be the best pitcher in baseball. Spencer Schwellenbach is approaching ace status himself, and Spencer Strider looks like he’s getting stronger with each passing start. If the Braves find a way to October with those three guys healthy, they should love their chances against any team they are matched up against.

However, to get there, Alex Anthopoulos will have to patch up numerous holes.

4. Shortstop

Shortstop has been a sore spot since the departure of Dansby Swanson. Orlando Arcia had one good half in 2023, but was nothing short of abysmal after that, which led to Nick Allen taking over this season. Allen is horrific offensively. He genuinely might be one of the worst offensive players to ever play in the majors, but defensively, he’s an absolute wizard.

Eventually, the Braves must spend resources on upgrading shortstop. However, that’s very difficult to do in the middle of the season, and it might not even be possible. Given how many holes are on this roster, Alex Anthopoulos can afford to put shortstop on the back-burner for now.

3. Starting Pitcher

It really is unfortunate because we should be talking about one of the best rotations ever put together. However, injuries have completely decimated what would have been an outstanding group. Reynaldo Lopez made just one start before undergoing shoulder surgery. A little over a month later, AJ Smith-Shawver was shutdown for the season with a torn UCL after emerging as a legitimate NL Rookie of the Year candidate. And now, Chris Sale has joined them on the IL with a fractured rib cage.

With Sale slated to return later in the season, the need for a frontline starter is not apparent; however, acquiring someone that can slot into the back of the rotation and replace Bryce Elder would be really useful and shouldn’t cost too much in terms of prospects.

2. Bullpen

The Braves bullpen has actually been better of late and could get some reinforcements later in the season. Jhancarlos Lara and Hayden Harris are two intriguing arms on the farm that could add some juice to the ‘pen. Joe Jimenez and Reynaldo Lopez could also potentially contribute down the line if they return from their respective injuries. That could have this group looking a lot more potent, but they are still missing one thing — a closer.

Raisel Iglesias‘ struggles have really hampered this unit. The Braves have now turned to a closer by committee approach, and that’s never a good thing. Given Iglesias is a free agent at season’s end, this is a need not just now but in the future as well, which is why the Braves should be actively shopping for one at the trade deadline no matter where they are in the standings.

1. Outfield

Even with the injuries to the starting staff and the struggles of Raisel Iglesias, the #1 issue that’s plagued the Braves has been the offense. This is a bottom-ten offense in baseball, ranking 22nd in runs scored, which is the only stat that matters. Unfortunately, with so many guys locked into long-term deals, it’s not easy for them to find places to upgrade, but the outfield is the most obvious.

Jurickson Profar‘s return next week should help, but he’s ineligible for the postseason, so that must be taken into account. Michael Harris II could be upgraded in centerfield, and overall, this club needs more depth. Similar to the 2021 trade deadline, the Braves should acquire several bats and figure out the rest later.