Early Trade Drama: What Will the Braves Do?

As the July 31st MLB trade deadline approaches, the Atlanta Braves find themselves at a pivotal moment. Will they seek to enhance their roster to pursue a playoff berth, or will they pivot and trade away veteran players to concentrate on future seasons?

Still in the Hunt

The Braves began 2025 filled with optimism, but unfortunately, their aspirations have largely unraveled. The team has been severely impacted by a multitude of injuries. Nevertheless, with a record of 27-33, they remain only a few games away from securing a playoff position.

With key players such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider returning from injury, there is renewed hope among fans that the team can reverse its fortunes and launch a strong playoff campaign. Should the Braves opt to acquire talent at the trade deadline, several potential targets could significantly enhance their prospects.

One appealing option is Orioles closer Félix Bautista. The Baltimore squad has experienced a season fraught with disappointments and may be inclined to trade assets. Although Bautista has had a few challenging appearances recently, he has been an outstanding reliever throughout most of his career. Apart from the injury that sidelined him in 2024, he has consistently been a healthy and trustworthy option. This year, he boasts an impressive 2.77 ERA alongside 15 strikeouts in just 13 innings. If bolstering the bullpen is a priority for the Braves, acquiring Bautista would represent a substantial upgrade.

Another player to monitor is starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara, who was previously awarded the NL Cy Young. His recovery from elbow surgery has not progressed as smoothly as hoped. Alcantara currently holds a record of 2-4 with an 8.42 ERA across seven starts. However, many MLB executives remain optimistic, believing he is merely working through some initial struggles and will begin to regain his form as the season unfolds. With AJ Smith-Shawver recently faced with an injury setback, adding a seasoned starter like Alcantara might provide the Braves with the necessary lift as they navigate the latter part of the season.

Trade Candidates to Watch

Should Atlanta decide to take a step back this season and redirect their focus toward future opportunities, they still possess several valuable players that could be traded. The most viable trade candidates are Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias. Both players are on expiring contracts, making them enticing options for contending teams.

Marcell Ozuna, a three-time All-Star, may no longer exhibit the power-hitting prowess of his earlier years, yet he continues to make meaningful contributions at the plate. His batting average stands at .278, accompanied by a career-high .428 on-base percentage. This indicates that he is drawing more walks and finding additional ways to help his team generate runs. At 34 years old, he is more suited for a designated hitter position, rendering him an appealing option for teams seeking a reliable, veteran bat.

Raisel Iglesias, who is 35 years old, enjoyed a stellar 2024 season highlighted by a 1.94 ERA and 24 saves, demonstrating his ability to excel under pressure. However, this year has proven to be a challenge for him, as he currently carries a 5.91 ERA and has not appeared at his best. Still, some teams might believe they can assist him in regaining his form. For a contender seeking bullpen reinforcements, Iglesias could serve as a prudent short-term investment, particularly since he is in the final year of his contract.

Even if the Braves choose to trade one or both of these players, it does not necessarily signify a long-term retreat. They still maintain a robust core and a wealth of young talent, and they are likely to aim for a resurgence in 2026.

So, what will be the course of action for the Braves? The next two months will reveal whether they are prepared to pursue a playoff opportunity or if they will instead opt to regroup and strategize for the future. Regardless of the outcome, significant decisions loom on the horizon in Atlanta.