MLB Rumors: Braves go big-game hunting for starting pitcher

There’s still time for the Braves to make a blockbuster trade before the August 1 deadline. First and foremost, Atlanta is looking for starting pitcher depth.

The Atlanta Braves could make a move for a starting pitcher by the MLB trade deadline on August 1.

As serious playoff contenders, the Braves expressed their interest in buying pieces this summer to boost their roster, and they made their most emphatic statement on Sunday, two days before the trade window closes.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Braves are specifically looking for pitching depth. In the immediate aftermath of the Max Scherzer trade, Mets’ Justin Verlander could be made available. Could Atlanta really go after a division rival’s starter?

The Braves have reportedly “checked” with the Mets about the 40-year-old’s availability, but the two sides have not engaged in active negotiations.

The Braves may be keeping their eye on a handful of trade candidates this summer as they anxiously await Max Fried’s return for the second half of the season.

Braves target starting pitching depth before MLB trade deadline

The team has until 6 p.m. on Tuesday to strike a deal. At the moment, there’s only mild chatter around the league regarding the possibility of Atlanta making a swoop for a big name.

Mets’ Verlander currently seems to be leaning toward a reunion with the Astros, with whom he has the closest relationship out of all his potential suitors.

Yet we wouldn’t put it past Alex Anthopoulos to pull a rabbit out of a top hat in the coming days. Two years ago, during the Braves’ World Series-winning season in 2021, Anthopoulos pulled off a masterful feat, making four flurried deals hours before the deadline. Those deals ended up taking Atlanta from five games out of first place to the biggest stage in baseball where they won it all.

Today, the Braves already made a smaller deal that sent lefty reliever Taylor Hearn to the Royals in return for slugger Nicky Lopez. Having shored up their infield unit, the next item on the team’s wish list is outlined in bold: a starting pitcher. We’ll see what Atlanta has in store up until the very last minute of the trade deadline.