The prime Braves trade chip in Tarik Skubal pursuit

The Atlanta Braves are expected to be among the Tarik Skubal trade suitors. There are a number of talented pitchers who may be available and the Braves could always pivot if Skubal is traded elsewhere, but Atlanta seemingly has interest in acquiring the two-time Cy Young winner. If the ball club was to trade for the star, however, they may need to trade a pitcher who was one of their top prospects entering the season.

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that JR Ritchie could “anchor” a potential trade package for Skubal. Ritchie was the team’s No. 2 overall prospect heading into the campaign. He has now made 13 appearances (seven starts) with the Braves in 2026, turning in a 4.50 ERA.

Meanwhile, Ritchie has a 3.88 ERA in 10 Triple-A starts. The right-handed hurler recorded a 2.64 ERA last year across three levels of the minor leagues.

There is reason to believe that Ritchie can become an MLB star in the future. He features a bright ceiling. The Braves would surely prefer to keep him if possible, but the idea of acquiring Skubal clearly has their attention. Perhaps they will consider moving Ritchie in a potential Skubal deal — although it remains to be seen if the team is in fact open to trading Ritchie.

Skubal will be a free agent following the season. The fact that he will likely be a half-season rental makes trading for him risky. However, Skubal is also a game-changing pitcher who would drastically increase the Braves’ chances of upsetting the Los Angeles Dodgers in a postseason matchup.

The Braves have a big decision to make. At the moment, they appear to be a serious contender in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes.