Source: Braves Have Strong Interest in Casey Mize

With ace Tarik Skubal being dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night, the Detroit Tigers can now shift their focus to trading another starting pitcher before Monday's 6 pm MLB trade deadline.

According to a source, the Atlanta Braves have strong interest in Tigers starter Casey Mize.

The Braves' starting rotation has dealt with injuries all season. Earlier today, Reynaldo Lopez was scratched from his start due to left knee inflammation that will land him on the injured list.

Even before Lopez's injury, the Braves were in need of starting pitching help before the deadline. Mize would be a perfect fit atop their rotation alongside left-hander Chris Sale. Mize is having the best year of his career in 2026, posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 24.9 percent strikeout rate and 5.6 percent walk rate in 16 starts and 86.2 innings.

Mize was scratched from his scheduled start against the Athletics on Friday as a precaution, which indicates he is likely to be traded. He has spent two separate stints on the IL this season with a right adductor injury.

Mize, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, will be a free agent after the season concludes. The right-hander has dealt with injuries, including Tommy John surgery, which has slowed his career, but he is having a breakout year.

The 29-year-old is making $6.15 million this season and is owed $1.85 million the rest of the way. That is an affordable figure for any contender that's in the hunt for starting pitching at the deadline.

The Braves are 66-45 and lead the Philadelphia Phillies by eight games in the NL East. Atlanta already made a move on Saturday night, landing right-handed hitting outfielder Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter from the Kansas City Royals. They now must turn their attention to adding pitching.