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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, Marcus Stroman, Chicago Cubs
Marcus Stroman, Chicago Cubs (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

3. Marcus Stroman may not want to leave Cubs, but Braves are a better spot

Back on the superstar market, that’s exactly what Marcus Stroman has been for the Chicago Cubs this season. In the final year of his contract before he has a player option, one he’s expected to decline given his performance in the 2023 season, Stroman has been one of the leading NL Cy Young candidates this season for a Cubs team that continues to fall further out of contention.

Through 13 starts, Stroman has posted a 2.39 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP and, somehow, he seems to only be getting better. In his last four starts that all came against perceived contenders in the Phillies, Mets, Rays and Padres, Stroman has gone at least 6.0 innings in each, hasn’t allowed more than four hits or two earned runs in any of those outings, and has led the Cubs to a win in each of them as well, including a 1-0 complete game shutout for the veteran.

Stroman is 32 years old, so it’s expected that he’ll look to cash in big one last time this offseason. That might not be the Braves’ cup of tea, to be sure, given the way that the front office has operated. Having said that, if they want to pay up for a rental, it’d be hard to not love Stroman.

The veteran right-hander has not only been dominant overall this season, but he’s proved it against the best competition in baseball, at least in terms of talent. That’s something that the Braves are going to need if they plan on getting to and winning another World Series and, even if they don’t want to re-sign him after this year, you’d have a hard time finding a better three-man run in a rotation than Fried, Spencer Strider and Stroman would be.

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