Braves Rumors: Dylan Dodd’s last chance, Kyle Wright pessimism, Giants trade target who’s not Joc

Braves Rumors: Alex Cobb, not Joc Pederson, should be top trade target from the Giants

Speaking of the Braves looking at starters at the trade deadline, when the San Francisco Giants have been mentioned as possible sellers come July, one of the top options for Atlanta to consider has been Joc Pederson, ushering in a reunion with the pearl-wearing hero from the 2021 World Series run.

With the resurgent May from Marcell Ozuna, however, the Braves might be less inclined to spend big on any type of upgrade in left field, especially if he continues to show real value at the plate beyond the second month of the season. But that doesn’t mean they should look past the Giants in that capacity. Specifically, Alex Cobb should be on the trade radar.

Cobb has legitimately pitched like a Cy Young candidate this season, as surprising as that may sound. Through 10 starts with San Francisco, he’s posted a 4-1 record with a 2.17 ERA and 1.31 WHIP on the season. He’s also posted a Quality Start in half of his outings this year, showing immense prowess from the 35-year-old veteran.

What makes Cobb intriguing as a trade target, though, is that his contract is almost up with just a $10 million club option remaining for next season. If the Giants continue to fall out of contention — they currently sit six games back of the Dodgers already and are one game under .500 — it might behoove them to try and get future assets for Cobb rather than to sit on him and lose him for nothing.

The Braves have been rock-solid in surviving injuries to the rotation to this point in the year, but there is still room to upgrade in order to not put sustained pressure on the loaded lineup. Cobb would be an experienced, veteran option to answer that and someone who could potentially be a linchpin for the pitching staff in helping to push to another World Series run.