Should Braves Trade Key Pieces as Former Clemson Star Spencer Strider Struggles

Much of the team’s unraveling points to struggles late in games, with bullpen problems at the forefront. Closer Raisel Iglesias, once seen as a stabilizing presence, has failed to consistently seal victories, leaving the Braves vulnerable down the stretch. 

The Braves have several players with minimal trade value, and Raisel Iglesias is among them. The 35-year-old closer is in the final year of his contract and is enduring the worst season of his career, with $7.5 million still owed at the deadline. Unless he regains something close to his previous form, it's unlikely any team will take on his deal.

This bullpen instability is a major hurdle as Atlanta approaches the July 31 trade deadline, forcing the front office to consider if reinforcements are necessary or if a longer rebuild looms.

Spencer Strider shouldn’t be on the table in any trade talks—at least not yet. When healthy, the former Clemson standout has shown ace-level potential and remains one of the most electric arms in baseball. 

The Braves still view him as a core piece of their long-term rotation. But with his recovery taking longer than hoped and it’s fair to wonder: if the right blockbuster offer came along, would they listen? 

For now, he belongs in the untouchable category, alongside stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Still, Strider’s name isn’t entirely off-limits if the return resets the franchise’s trajectory.

With time running out, the Braves must find a way to win—and soon—or risk shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 postseason. For a franchise accustomed to competing into October, this season’s expected struggles have put the organization on edge.