Braves predicted to trade for $56M NL East rival Cy Young winner to pair with Chris Sale, Strider

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to trade for $56M NL East rival Cy Young winner to pair with Chris Sale, Strider image

The Atlanta Braves have hit the ground running this offseason and are looking to continue bolstering their roster after missing the postseason for the first time in several years. One key need is another reliable arm in the rotation to cover potential injuries or other uncertainties. Beyond next season, only two pitchers are considered locks for the 2027 rotation.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

For this reason, the Braves are expected to add a starter this offseason and continue building the rotation for the future. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that Atlanta is exploring every avenue for a potential move, whether through free agency or a trade.

“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.

Sports Talk ATL’s Chase Irle believes the Braves could swing a trade for division ace Sandy Alcantara.

“Alcantara is coming off the worst season of his career, posting a 5.36 ERA over 31 starts. That said, his 3.30 ERA in the second half was far more encouraging, and any team acquiring him is ultimately betting on the stuff. He’ll be another year removed from Tommy John surgery, which wiped out his entire 2024 season, and his two remaining years of team control at roughly $19 million per season remain very appealing. Trading within the division complicates things, but the Marlins have shown repeatedly that it doesn’t stop them from making blockbuster deals,” Irle wrote.

While Alcantara struggled last season, it can’t be forgotten that he is a former CY Young winner and still possesses that caliber of talent. The Marlins may be open to dealing him if the right pieces are involved.

The Braves have some enticing prospects they could offer in a trade. While Anthopoulos has multiple options, Alcantara would be a very solid addition to strengthen Atlanta’s rotation.

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Contributing writer

Contributing Writer