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Braves rumors: 3 superstar pitcher trades to fix the issue, 2 budget options to help

By Cody Williams

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves trade rumors, Michael Lorenzen, Detroit Tigers
Michael Lorenzen, Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) /

4. Michael Lorenzen could be a cheap-ish rental for the Braves to fix the rotation

For a while, it appeared as if the Detroit Tigers, though struggling, might be one of the richest teams for contenders to possibly pilfer through at the trade deadline. But with injuries to Eduardo Rodriguez and Riley Greene, the Tigers are sure to sell still, but the offerings could be far more limited than expected.

If Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves take a good look at the roster in the Motor City, though, there is one phenomenal option for them to target.

Michael Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Tigers this offseason after a fine but unspectacular season with the Angels. In this half-season with Detroit, though, the 31-year-old right-hander has started to look much more like the possible star the Reds thought they had in the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Though he has only a 2-2 record over nine starts, Lorenzen already has a 1.1 WAR on the season, posting an impressive 3.21 ERA and 0.99 WHIP for the year. His 3.4 K/BB ratio is the second-best of his career and he’s been racking up quality starts, notching five in his last six starts.

Because he’s only under contract through this season, Lorenzen could be an instance of Detroit looking to sell high and get something in a year where they are out of contention (again) in hopes of getting something promising instead of seeing the righty just walk for nothing in free agency this offseason. If the Braves want to stay on a budget, that’s an avenue well worth exploring.

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