Atlanta Braves rumors: Top 4 starting pitchers to trade for in 2024
The Atlanta Braves need a starting pitcher. Many are looking to free agency but here’s why we think the Braves are more likely to make a move in the trade market to solidify the rotation.
The Atlanta Braves have re-signed Charlie Morton to help solidify the rotation in 2024. As it stands now, they have Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton. The remaining two spots depend on the transactions the Braves make this offseason. Currently, Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver are the likely candidates.
Alex Anthopoulos has made several roster moves in the form of non-tenders and trades to dump contracts the Braves didn’t want on the books. By the time the dust settled, the Braves had opened up 10 roster spots. That has changed a little since then with the recent addition of reliever Reynaldo Lopez but the feeling is that AA is gearing up to bring in a splashy name or two for the rotation.
The Braves were reportedly in on Aaron Nola before he signed a seven-year deal with the Phillies. The Braves have also been linked to and seen as favorites to land veteran free agent Sonny Gray. However, the hang-up with free agency is that Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves are highly unlikely to overpay or over-commit to anybody via free agency.
A veteran pitcher like Gray is the most likely candidate to end up in Atlanta if he’s not looking for too much money or too long of a deal. If he wants to win over the next couple of seasons, the Braves might have a shot.
Considering AA’s track record, the Braves may look to the trade market to round out the rotation. Should that be the case, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves make a move for a player and sign them to a long-term extension prior to the season. The team does have a long-term need for a starting pitcher which has yet to be addressed. Max Fried has one year left and Charlie Morton should be finished after this season.
So, without further adieu, here are the top four pitchers on the trade block this offseason.
