MLB Rumors: New Braves trade buzz, Dodgers deadline priority, potential Red Sox reunion

MLB Rumors: Braves trade for Jack Flaherty proposed by insider

How the early MLB Trade Deadline talk is shaping up, it seems quite obvious that the Atlanta Braves are going to make an effort to upgrade their pitching, both in the rotation and the bullpen. How that specifically shakes out, however, has often only been able to be speculated upon in terms of the players that they could target in order to accomplish that goal.

One MLB insider has named at least one target who should be available and makes sense for the Braves: St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com listed out trade fits for 10 players he referred to as “on the rise” with Flaherty being one. And the first team listed as a possible fit was Flaherty, something I have also connected the dots on previously.

Here’s what Feinsand said on Flaherty:

"After allowing 10 ER in just 2 1/3 innings against the Angels on May 4, Flaherty posted a 2.06 ERA over his next six starts, helping St. Louis to victories in five of those games. The right-hander — who is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season — was roughed up by the Giants (6 ER in 4 1/3 innings) on June 13 and by the Nationals (6 ER in 6 1/3 innings), but he would be a valuable piece for most contenders seeking a rotation upgrade."

Flaherty is one of the top change-of-scenery candidates at the trade deadline and the Braves could not be more of an upgrade than whatever the hell the Cardinals are doing this season. Bringing Flaherty, especially if they can help him find more consistency and protection from the offense, could be a huge addition to fortify the Atlanta rotation in their World Series plight.