It was a tough start to the season in Atlanta, as they lost their first seven games in a row and 13 of their first 18 games. Brutal as that start to the season was, the club managed to turn things around in the latter weeks of April, and as recently as May 19 things were looking good. The Braves were 24-23, leaving them on the periphery of the Wild Card conversation, Spencer Strider was finally back from the injured list, and Ronald Acuna Jr. was just days away from his own return. Unfortunately, they’ve gone just 3-11 since then. That leaves them in fourth place in the NL East with a 27-34 record and 6.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, with six teams they’d need to bypass in the standings in order to make it to the postseason.
Impressive and well-constructed as the team may look on paper, the group simply hasn’t been getting the job done in practice. Strider has pitched poorly (6.43 ERA, 6.93 FIP) in three starts since returning. AJ Smith-Shawver is done for the season after suffering a torn UCL. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II aren’t hitting. No qualified reliever in baseball has allowed more home runs than closer Raisel Iglesias. It’s impossible to know what they can expect to get out of Jurickson Profar when he returns from his PED suspension, and even if he plays well he won’t be eligible for the postseason.
Taken together, it’s hard not to see Atlanta as a team that has simply fallen too far behind the pack to justify continuing to push their chips in for the postseason. The good news is that, if they do decide to sell, they’ll have plenty of interesting pieces to move. Iglesias has had a rough year, but still boasts 232 saves and an ERA below 3.00 for his career. Marcell Ozuna has been one of the league’s top designated hitters for three straight seasons now, with a 148 wRC+ stretching back to 2023 that’s top-ten in baseball among hitters with at least 1,000 plate appearances in that time. Perhaps Alex Verdugo can be of interest to a team in need of outfield help, even in the midst of a down season (79 wRC+). Ozuna would immediately become the best hitter available this summer if dangled, and even in spite of his home run woes teams will be hard pressed to find a more decorated reliever than Iglesias to close out games for them.
If the Braves were to decide to sell, would they stop at rental pieces or consider dealing longer-term assets as well? They hold a team option on the services of veteran ace Chris Sale, but the reigning NL Cy Young winner would immediately become the most valuable asset on the market if president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos decided to dangle him. A $7MM team option for 2026 would make right-hander Pierce Johnson an attractive multi-year asset on the market as well. And with Drake Baldwin making his case to be NL Rookie of the Year, it’s not impossible to imagine Atlanta listening to offers on Sean Murphy and shedding the $45MM in guaranteed dollars remaining on his deal for his age 31-33 seasons. In a summer that looks like there may not be much impact talent available, there’s plenty of upside to be found in selling aggressively while the majority of the league is scrambling to improve ahead of the stretch run.
As much sense as it might seem to make for the Braves to listen on some of their top short-term pieces, it must be remembered that Anthopoulos and his front office aren’t afraid to zig when the rest of the league zags. Just a few years ago, Atlanta entered the All-Star break with a sub-.500 club that had just lost Acuna to a season-ending injury. It would’ve been understandable if they decided to sell, with Freddie Freeman, Chris Martin, Dansby Swanson, and Charlie Morton among the short-term assets they had in the fold at that point who could have brought back massive returns. Rather than entertain that option, the club added Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall, and Eddie Rosario to their beleaguered outfield and stayed the course. A few months later, they hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy after beating the Astros in the World Series.
It shouldn’t shock anyone if club brass decides to stay the course once again this year in hopes of a similar Cinderella run. After all, the talent on Atlanta’s roster is enviable; all the same reasons that pieces like Iglesias and Ozuna would be attractive to rival organizations are reasons the Braves may simply prefer to try to win while they’re still in the fold rather than bank on figuring things out without them in the future, and that goes double for longer-term pieces like Sale and Murphy. Perhaps Strider will improve as he shakes off the rust from his long rehab, and Acuna has wasted no time thrusting himself back into the conversation as one of the league’s premier stars. With the 2023 NL MVP’s time under team control set to last only three more seasons after this one, it’s far to wonder if the Braves would really sacrifice one of those seasons by selling at the deadline.
How do MLBTR readers think Atlanta will approach the deadline this summer? Will they push their chips in and buy despite long odds, like they did in 2021? Will they do some light selling, casting off rental players in hopes of restocking in 2026? Or will they listen to offers on a wider range of players? Have your say in the poll below:
Bleak
Gets worse every time you post.
Maybe AA can trade his hair piece for someone good
Sell rental players to balance the immediate challenges with their long-term competitive window. They should be leveraging valuable chips like Ozuna & Iglesias to restock for 2026.
Iggy probably will get dfa’d not traded but I also just saw him crumble and am mad
Iggy was an effective 8th inning guy when he and Jansen overlapped. They can probably do better than merely cutting him (unless the downward spiral continues).
Murphy will attract a bigger return if he’s traded in the off-season. Learning a new staff in July for a contender is a risky bet.
Ozuna’s health will affect his return. But yeah, move him too.
I’d be pitching Ozuna to the Mets for a deal involving Thorpe. Profar to DH, Murphy and free agency in the off season to improve the staff for ’26. They have a good enough core to contend.
Check that. Gilbert.
Assuming they are out I can see Sale and Ozuna being moved because they would get them a good return form a contender. With the latter they may decide to keep Acuna healthy an use him as a full time or spend more time at DH.
Murphy is the only one signed long term that looks like an obvious candidate to go. Though it may be them doing a salary dump, assuming Baldwin is deemed ready to take over full time.
Profar is the only other long term contract they could deal but he won’t qualify for the post season with the suspension.
baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/atlanta-braves-sa…
Certainly would have to look at a Sale trade if you sell but it depends on the return. I could see keeping Murphy. He’s not really been a problem this year. It’s nice to have 2 quality catchers and they can rotate in and out of C/DH if Ozuna departs. Certainly not giving him up as a salary dump. There are some good bullpen pieces to sell (Johnson, Bummer) but they are controllable for 2026 so it depends on what they think they can do financially and with what’s available in the coming off-season.
Murphy makes sense to trade. There are many teams that need a long term catcher the Twins really need one. He has value but the Braves can save money for other needs and let Baldwin play more.
Besides Murphy they just need to trade rentals. This isn’t a rebuild its a retool with plans to compete in 2026.
I’d certainly listen on Murphy. Just not as adamant that he needs to be traded as many are.
Its not that they have to trade him. But why keep him? They can use his 15 million per year on another huge need which is closer.
I get that I just think 1. It’s always good to have two good catching options and 2. We overlook how good this teams pitching has been the last couple of years. Murphy has been the biggest guy calling those games and doing that prep. They already got rid of (coach) Fasano and Darnaud. Getting rid of Murphy would mean it’s all Baldwin. Not that I’m saying that couldn’t work. I think it depends on what someone offers you. Regardless I think he’s learning from Murphy so I wouldn’t trade him until the year is over probably.
You don’t need 2 5 win catchers. Especially when you have other needs and budget restraints. They wouldn’t have to do that deal until the offseason but it certainly makes sense. You replace Murphy with a decent backup catcher and use the savings on other needs.
Saying “2 5 win catchers” about a rookie and a guy that had 4 WAR once is misleading. Again it depends on the return. 15M is not a ton of money. The team was paying Charlie Morton that last year. Just because they are trying to dip under the luxury tax doesn’t mean future seasons should be looked at so desperately. Again I’m not even disagreeing with you. I said they need to look into it. Keeping catchers feeling good is a big deal. The time Baldwin would have to spend behind the plate would increase a lot compared to if Murphy were still there. You can also keep both in the lineup. All I’m saying is there are many factors.
You want to call them 4 win catchers instead?
They have 2 STARTING QUALITY catchers and many teams don’t have 1. This is why trades happen.
The last few years the Braves have had to wheel and deal to fill out their roster. They don’t have unlimited funds. They can use the 15 million saved from Murphy to fill other holes on the roster. I imagine that’s exactly what they are going to do because Baldwin looks legit.
I could see if it helps them get a SS. At the same time (devils advocate) if Ozuna leaves and Murphy is gone you now have another hole at DH and backup catcher. Granted the backup catcher isn’t a huge deal. But it is if your C gets hurt. Which is why it’s nice to have another C fill the DH slot.
The Cardinals are basically using the DH spot to get both catchers in the lineup but Herrera is a poor defender and him and Pages aren’t making big money. Contreras is but he’s now a 1b. I just wouldn’t do that unless the catcher or catchers are poor defensively and the Braves catchers are not.
The Braves have an excellent team long term. A little better luck and a couple good trades and signings and they will be in great shape.
Acuna does not deserve to be a DH yet, I understand the risk of him moving a muscle and him having 0 stolen bases but he’s still too young for DH
First step is firing Snitker then trade Sale and the wife beater.
They’ll trade the rentals and maybe Murphy.
I’m curious as to how you lurk at a score.
I don’t see the Braves selling. They are a decent winning streak away from a Wild Card spot. While this team is in need of replenishing the farm, there is nothing that they have to trade that’s going to accomplish that
Perhaps he lurks by sneaking around the press box?
Not saying what they should do but it’s not all about the destination. Sometimes getting there is a big deal. The spirits are down for the fans and the team. Surely getting to the playoffs would be special (it would require a big run which would be exciting). I mean I enjoy the regular season. But again I’m not saying that means I wouldn’t sell. I think you have to wait and see where you are at. As frustrating as it has been you simply have to let the next few weeks play out.
It was a pathetic loss today but it is going to be helpful to see what happens the next few weeks. That was a rock bottom moment. They will either respond or not. Its better to get knocked flat on your face then to be lingering around with some false hope and pride. It sounds cliche but it seemed necessary. They keep saying they will turn it around. This series was a reality check if there ever was one.
Can we play 2 games after everyone else is done playing again?
It’s what you do when your dealer is busy with another customer.
They will definitely sell. They are a bottom 5 team in baseball. I’m sure everyone not named Schwellenbach or Baldwin can and should be dealt.
Bottom five is a bit of a stretch. Not saying they should be like top ten or anything, but they’ve done a heck of a job bouncing back from a seven game losing streak to start the year and have gone 27-26 since then. They’re not doing what they did just a few years ago, but I could definitley name at least 7 teams that are worse right now. I’m taking the Braves right now over the Rockies, Marlins, White Sox, Orioles, Pirates, Athletics, Angels, at the very least. Maybe even the Rangers and Red Sox too.
I guess you didnt watch the pirates and red Sox bend them over a barrel and show them the 50 states? This is a poverty franchise.
I watched the entierity of the Pirates series against them. The Pirates barely won. The Pirates have no hitting, at least the Braves have some hitting. THey have five hitters with an OPS+ better than average. Austin Riley has the worst of those five at 113. That would currently be the Pirates’ second best. To call them poverty despite making the playoffs every year since 2018 and winning a World Series in that stretch, and then rebounding to about .500 after a seven game losing streak to start 2025 is a stretch. I’ve seen far worse teams, and losing one series against a bad team does not automatically mean they’re worse. Yes, I know they allowed seven runs in the 9th today, but I’d much rather have the Braves’ record than the Pirates record right now.
The pirates problem is cheap ownership. The Braves problem is bad management and leadership. Both teams are going nowhere fast and will both sell at the deadline.
If having a winning record, multiple playoff appearances, and at least 1 World Series trophy over the last 15 years is bad management, I’d kill for bad management.
“Trade Albies, Iggy”…I hear that Boston has finally restored Craig Breslow’s phone privileges after the first Chris Sale disaster.
Maybe A.A should give him a call and see if he’s interested in trading Jurran or R.Anthony to do a better job in this Chris Sale deal.
Don’t feed the troll.
Honestly the Red Sox are kind of in a similar situation to the Braves. They might be lite sellers, so I doubt someone of Sale’s age and contract status will be on the table for them
The Braves usurped Arcia at short and made the strange decision to let him go over Luke Williams and replaced their 3b coach. That’s not exactly an attempt to shake things up.
The issue is a lack of bold moves and an unenthusiastic, elderly management that was held together by Seitzer, EY, and Ron Washington and now has no direction.
Washington is a good bit older than Snit, but the coke keeps him spry.
Starting a tough 6 game road trip tomorrow. We are currently an abysmal 10-20 on the road. Mercy
I think they’ll only be willing to sell off short term pieces, guys who aren’t controlled through 2026 unless they catch fire. You never know though. The Braves were also 38-41 at the end of June in 2021, lost Acuna in early July when he was an MVP front runner, then went on a tear and won the World Series.
The Braves will shed as much salary at the trade deadline as is reasonably possible. Ownership has a strong track record of frugality.
They’re at or above luxury tax levels. D’oh.
Do you ever read what you type? They won it all in ’21, but you’re claiming it’s not a winning core; let that sink in. The day isn’t over, but I’m confident that’ll be the most ridiculous comment I read on the Internet all day.
They have 4 players from that WS team left on the current roster lol
@Appalachian: Trade’s redundant rants are a never ending source of eye rolling disgust. If you want to read similar garbage, catch some of Rebuild 2025’s takes. He and Trade might be related.
You really have nothing better to do? What a sad, pathetic existence. My bet is you are currently surrounded by takeout trash and your domicile wreaks of rotten meat and urine.
I voted “not to sell” because it’d be the smartest thing for them to do. Whatever happens, happens. Even if you moved guys on expiring deals, you’re not going to get any more in return than what you’d get by extending a QO.
The only guy I’d even want them to consider moving is Iglesias, if they know they’re not willing to extend the QO to him. Other than that, stand pat, ride it out, and go get’em next year.
Ozuna isn’t getting a QO.
Ozuna is a great candidate for the qualifying offer.
He probably would if he was eligibe for it. The Cards offered him a QO back in the 2019-2020 offseason, so he can’t get a second one from the Braves now.
You sure thar rule covers seasons prior to it being a rule?
As of Feburary 2025 he was ineligible.
mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-a…
Ok well I guess he isn’t eligible then. All the more reason to trade him.
Ah yes, the team that literally won the WS wasn’t a “winning core”.
The core is mostly gone, they have a winning shell at best
Scott Blewett again (sorry, not sorry).
My problem with today’s game is you took out Holmes as if this was a must win. But you didn’t treat the rest of the game that way. No way Blewitt should’ve been in that long (or even at all possibly). The only thing it was missing was Rafael Montero coming in and walking everyone.
Best to trade Acuna to the Yankees…
/s
You left out the bull and hit to that “s.”
Trade Ozuna and Murphy. They could try to get something for Iglesias but good luck. They need a closer more than anything but its hard to trade for one probably just have to sign one in the offseason. They also could use an outfielder and a shortstop.
After todays laughable loss Snitker should be immediately fired. Enough is enough.
Farm system needs a jumpstart. Sell everything within reason.
Trades between division rivals are rare but I think I have one that makes sense for both sides: Mets deal baby Acuna to the Braves for Aaron Bummer. I doubt it happens but it would help both teams.
I’d do it. We need a shortstop or a 2B to replace Ozzie.
“baby Acuna” can’t hit. Last thing the Braves need is another weak hitting middle infielder. They’ve got that covered—–sarcasm intended. Also, no way AA does anything to help the Mets improve.
To be fair i haven’t seen him play. All i know is he has elite speed, but not much pop.
it should be mentioned that Alex put all the chips and his balls on the table in 2015 with the Jays.
There is a saying, “bad things happen to good people”. I think the core of the Braves is good enough to win. Be real, the Braves are playing fellow major leaguers, the winner of the game is the team that makes the plays. I do think there are several things we should do. I think Kimbrel should be brought up, I also think Snit should retire. I would love to see Ron Washington back in Atlanta next year. I would also like to install a new closer. Our bullpen is terrible but that’s on the front office, you cannot construct a major league bullpen when you build by getting players that have been cut by other teams.
Did you just say to TRADE STRIDER? Jesus Christ
Fire Snitker 1st thing! Snit could manage the AL or NL All Stars and lose to a little league team managed by AI!
I’ll trade a medium Coke and a small Nathan’s fries for Verdugo.
Deal.
You missed one.
Recent history suggests they’ll be buyers at the deadline, even if they’re under .500 still. But if this season is truly lost then Ozuna is definitely getting traded and they should listen to offers on Sale and Murphy if they can get back some young arms or shortstops.
Trade Acuna!!!
I’m a pads fan. What do you guys want for Murphy? If you’ll trade him.
Got a decent young SS and some pen pieces to sell?
We only have Devries, and he isn’t going anywhere. We do have tons of pen guys all throughout the minors, and majors. Maybe add a third team to throw you a young SS.
Zell, zell zell
The Braves will be buyers at the deadline. Just wait.
I’m an optimist, and I was ready for them to sell in 2021. Alex wasn’t. He was right. The only selling the Braves are going to do is in the minds of internet commenters.
Like a Purple People Eater, dressed in a pink polka dot bikini…..