The one scenario where Braves can justify buying at the trade deadline

The Braves now sit 11 games under .500 and are currently 9.5 games behind the last Wild Card spot. It’s become increasingly clear that this season is likely going to end without a postseason berth.

However, Alex Anthopoulos remained adamant a mere three weeks ago that he would not be selling. A lot can change in that time. Since that interview, the Braves are 7-11, but perhaps even more noteworthy, Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach — two of the lone bright spots on the club — have been placed on the 60-day IL.

There is one scenario in which Alex Anthopoulos could justify buying at this year’s trade deadline, and that is for any player who could improve future teams. While this season may be lost, you’d be a fool to think the Braves won’t be working to compete for a championship next season.

This offseason will present many difficult questions for Atlanta’s President of Baseball Operations. Anthopoulos may have to address both middle infield spots, the designated hitter role will need to be filled, one of the outfield positions may also need a body, and of course, the pitching staff will need bolstering. Especially the closer’s role, which will be wide open with Raisel Iglesias hitting free agency.

Anthopoulos can absolutely rationalize filling one of those holes at this year’s trade deadline instead of waiting until the offseason to do so.

Jhoan Duran of the Twins is one option. He has two more years of control after this season and is one of the best relievers in the sport thanks to a triple-digit fastball and a splinker that sits in the high 90s. Emmanuel Clase has regressed but is under contract for less than $30 million through 2028. Felix Bautista is back from Tommy John and has another two years until free agency.

It’s not just closers, though. Alex Anthopoulos has always been creative with his trades. The Braves exec traded top prospect Vaughn Grissom for a broken-down Chris Sale, and it worked out marvelously. Atlanta could trade from a strength, moving one of their top 10 catchers for a shortstop of the future, a controllable starter, or whatever Anthopoulos could cook up.

While most Braves fans would say it’s crazy to buy at the trade deadline, it can certainly be rationalized if it improves future teams in Atlanta.