MLB Rumors: Dylan Cease buzz, Braves-Cardinals trade, Reds snoozing

MLB Rumors: Potential Braves-Cardinals trade around Jack Flaherty

As the hours wane on the Aug. 1 trade deadline, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has one trade proposal for every MLB team. For the Atlanta Braves, he proposes a simple swap with the St. Louis Cardinals: SS Cal Conley in exchange for RHP Jack Flaherty.

Conley has spent the season with the Braves’ Double-A affiliate in Mississippi. Jack Flaherty, meanwhile, is one of the most prized arms circulating the rumor mill. The Cardinals have already cleaned house with their pitching staff, so Flaherty is fair game if the Braves come up with a compelling offer.

Max Fried and Kyle Wright remain injured, leaving a hole in the Braves’ stellar pitching rotation. Atlanta has a comfortable lead in the National League and there’s no immense pressure to get a big trade done, but this is a reasonably risk-free move for a reliable pitcher who could come in handy once the playoffs arrive.

Flaherty is in the final year of his contract, making him a rental. The Braves are focused on the immediate task at hand: winning the 2023 World Series. Atlanta won the ‘chip in 2021 with a slew of trade deadline acquisitions leading the charge. The circumstances are different this time around, but Alex Anthopoulos is not afraid to rent. Meanwhile, the contract situation also lowers the price. The Cardinals can’t expect top-shelf prospects for two guaranteed months of a pitcher. Flaherty is liable to leave in free agency, which could increase the urgency for St. Louis to get something for him before it’s too late.