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3 trade options to heal the injured Atlanta Braves rotation

By Justin Lewis |
May 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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The Atlanta Braves have been the best team in the National League this season and it really has not been all that close. What is even more impressive is that they have done this with Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Rasiel Iglesias, Orlando Arcia, Michael Harris II and Travis d’Arnaud all spending time on the IL.

Now Max Fried and Kyle Wright are both on the IL again. Fried has a forearm strain and Wright has a shoulder issue. It is believed that neither will be back anytime soon.

Spencer Strider has been his usual, awesome self and Bryce Elder has done an incredible job with his opportunity. But the Braves are going to need more than Dylan Dodd and Jared Shuster as fill-ins if they want to continue to distance themselves from the Mets in the division.

Charlie Morton is no longer the same guy, but he is obviously going to go out there every five days and compete. The question is whether or not the Braves will finally bring Mike Soroka back to the bigs after a two year hiatus due to injuries.

Even if they opt-in on Soroka and he’s productive, the Braves should look into trading for a starting pitcher, using their outfield depth and one of their shortstops as bait.

Apr 2, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (47) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (47) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

3 trade options to heal the injured Atlanta Braves rotation

The White Sox, Royals and Athletics are all likely going nowhere this season in the American League while the Cardinals, Reds, Rockies and Nationals are non-contenders in the National League. Could Atlanta pry away a starter?

Do Redbirds migrate south for the summer?

The St. Louis Cardinals are an utter travesty and the franchise is in complete disarray at the moment. According to their fans, the world is coming to an end. The Braves should pounce immediately.

Left-hander Jordan Montgomery is hovering right around his career averages in ERA and WHIP, which means you know what you are getting if you make a move for him. He gives you a veteran presence on the mound from the left side and should be fairly affordable.

The Cardinals outfield situation is as much a mess as the Braves left field is, so maybe Atlanta could pry away Dylan Carlson or Tyler O’Neill.

Guys like Jared Shuster and Vaughn Grissom should only be considered in this kind of deal if an everyday left fielder is also on the table. If not, then Montgomery for a mid-level prospect and one of Eli White or Sam Hilliard could be starting points.

Apr 28, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Rescued from the Rockies

Another left-handed option the Braves should call about is Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies. Freeland currently holds an ERA, WHIP and BAA lower than his career average. A sub-four ERA playing half your games in Denver is nothing to scoff at. Perhaps a change of scenery would propel Freeland into a different category for his career.

Speaking of change of scenery, perhaps the Braves could ship Marcel Ozuna out west and let him hit 50 home runs at their launching pad. Not sure anyone is taking him back in a deal, but it would be worth a shot. Freeland would likely be a cheaper option than Montgomery.

Whisked away from the Windy City

The only team competing with the St. Louis Cardinals for biggest disaster in 2023 is the Chicago White Sox. The Braves should quickly swoop in and nab Lucas Giolito and hand him some navy socks.

The big righty had a rough 2022, posting a 4.90 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, his third-worst season as a pro. The early returns in 2023 show that it might just be a blip and not the beginning of a decline. He’s still not performing quite at his 2019 level in which he held a 3.41 ERA and 1.06 WHIP which should make him affordable.

The fix for the White Sox really starts with a new manager, but on the field. The overall collection of talent isn’t poor, just underperforming. The Braves would have to part with a couple of prospects for Giolito.

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