Braves Rumors: Cubs trade, Vaughn Grissom targeted, Duvall’s conflict of interest

Braves Rumors: Potential trade for Cubs RHP Michael Fulmer

The Atlanta Braves have been dead set on bolstering their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, already acquiring Taylor Hearn and Pierce Johnson in separate deals. With several relievers absent due to injury, the Braves are making sure their top-ranked pitching staff loses no steam.

Another potential target, as outlined by David O’Brien and Jim Bowden of The Athletic, is Cubs righty Michael Fulmer. Chicago is a potential deadline seller, currently sitting two games below .500 and six games out of first place in the NL Central. Fulmer has been red-hot lately, posting an ERA of 1.50 with 24 strikeouts in his last 24 innings pitched.

The Braves could end up with too much of a good thing once the injuries subside, but right now the bullpen is the biggest area of concern for a team that doesn’t harbor too many glaring weaknesses. Alex Anthopoulos and the front office have clearly identified their goal ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline and Fulmer would be in keeping with that goal.

Ultimately, Chicago is the deciding force here. If the Cubs want to keep the ship afloat and fight for a postseason spot, which is still very much achievable given the shoddy nature of the NL Central, then there’s no reason to trade a key pitcher. If Chicago wants to pivot toward a second-half tank, however, the it makes sense to dish out Fulmer in the final year of his contract. The proposed trade from The Athletic has Chicago receiving RHP Dereck Rodriguez and catcher prospect Drake Baldwin from Atlanta.