Atlanta Braves: 1 dream trade involving every other NL East team
By Mark Powell
Yes, a trade between division rivals is very, very unlikely. In fact, it’s virtually impossible between contenders in the same division. But let’s pretend those rules didn’t exist for the Braves.
In a world full of dream deals and unrealistic trade proposals, exchanges between division rivals is light work. The NL East is full of contenders and pretenders. Last season, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies made the postseason along with Atlanta, and the Phils made the World Series.
It’s further evidence that in this Wild Card format, any team which makes the postseason has a legitimate chance.
The Braves, currently with the best record in the National League and leading the NL East by 5.5 games, could use some upgrades. Specifically, Atlanta’s starting pitching is lacking thanks to injuries suffered by Kyle Wright and Max Fried.
With that in mind, perhaps the Braves don’t have to look far for an upgrade.
Braves trade suitor: The New York Mets
Yes, it’s all kinds of gross. No, it will not happen. Still, let’s examine the hypothetical. Who would Atlanta trade for on New York’s roster, were the scenario to present itself?
The Mets are a few games over .500 and have one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball. The majority of their pitching staff — at least near the top — is on a short-term contract. Hence, if there were a trade to make here, it should be for Max Scherzer, who is almost sure to test free agency after this season.
Scherzer has struggled at times this season. The veteran is trending in the right direction, though, giving up just one run in his last two starts — totaling 11 innings-plus. With his ERA now barely sitting over four, Scherzer would be an ideal trade fits for most teams.
The Mets aren’t most teams, though. Steve Cohen has invested far too much in this payroll to take a loss this year, despite the fact Scherzer would demand a significant return. That makes this deal virtually impossible, which is no surprise to fans familiar with these two rivals.
Scherzer has a player option after the season. If he keeps trending in the right direction, he may test the market in search of one final multiyear deal. But the Braves won’t be that suitor.
Grade: D