Braves could trade playoff hero for huge pitching upgrade

The Atlanta Braves are having a good season and are second in NL East standings. However, they could improve on the mound by the trade deadline.

The Atlanta Braves are playing extremely well this season with FanGraphs playoff odds of 99.0 percent. They aren’t in dire need of help, but they could still benefit from making trades to upgrade their roster by the deadline.

Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson has been underperforming this season, and he should be considered for a trade to bring in a better starter. Over 95 innings this season, Anderson has produced an earned-run average of 5.31, batting average against of .273 and WHIP of 1.58. This is, significantly, the worst he’s done in his career.

Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas is reportedly “almost certain” to be dealt, according to ESPN insider Jeff Passan. The Braves should aim to trade for him.

The Braves should aim to trade for Frankie Montas

Montas is having a great season. Over 104.2 innings, he’s produced an ERA of 3.18, BAA of .231 and WHIP of 1.13. He’s currently under contract and isn’t eligible for free agency until 2024.

Anderson helped Atlanta win the World Series last season. In Game 3, he pitched five no-hit innings, which contributed to the 1-0 victory against the Houston Astros. However, he’s not been proving he can recreate his success.

Montas, on the other hand, is pitching mostly better this season than Anderson did last season leading up to the playoffs. Last season, Anderson produced an ERA of 3.58, BAA of .221 and WHIP of 1.23.

The Braves won their first World Series since 1995 last season and if they want to recreate the same success, they should upgrade wherever they can.