Braves Rumors: Ranking the 12 best trade targets for Atlanta to pursue

Braves Trade Target No. 6: Jordan Montgomery, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Going back to the possibility of upgrading the rotation, one of the best values on the trade market could be St. Louis Cardinals southpaw Jordan Montgomery.

For one, the track record for the left-hander is stellar, both this season and going back a few years. In 19 starts in 2023, he leads the Cards in ERA (3.14) and WHIP (1.23) after posting a 3.11 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 11 starts after being traded to St. Louis at the deadline a year ago. But as part of a fire sale for the Cardinals and on an expiring contract, he’s extremely movable.

The one factor working against the Braves here is that other contenders, most of whom could also use a starter to add to the rotation, are aware of the value that Montgomery could bring as a player and the relatively low trade cost as well. As such, the market could be lucrative and possibly price out Atlanta.

Braves Trade Target No. 5: Michael Fulmer, RP, Chicago Cubs

Michael Fulmer could be one of the biggest sleepers on the trade market at the deadline, and is a player who should very much be on the Braves’ radar.

When you look at the season-long numbers, Fulmer hasn’t done much to wow anyone with a 4.43 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, neither of which look like an ace out of the bullpen by any stretch. Having said that, he’s been nails for the Cubs over the past two months, posting an 0.66 ERA in 12 June appearances and with a 3.00 ERA in seven July outings. Throw in two straight previous seasons with an ERA under 3.50 and he’s clearly an asset as a reliever for a contender.

Fulmer signed just a one-year deal with the Cubs this past offseason and, with Chicago likely to sell, they could get a solid return for the veteran. Atlanta, meanwhile, could get another late-inning reliever with plenty of experience and the ability to be a high-leverage option