Braves predicted to trade two-way prospect for Blue Jays' $223M star duo, Gold Glove winners

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to trade two-way prospect for Blue Jays' $223M star duo, Gold Glove winners image

The Atlanta Braves have had a productive offseason in terms of addressing key roster needs. They struck big by signing Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Ha-Seong Kim, and Mike Yastrzemski. However, one position still remains a priority for GM Alex Anthopoulos: starting pitching.

“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, noting that the team is in a good place with its current starters.

There is a potential problem if the Braves fail to acquire a starter this offseason. Beyond 2026, only two starters are under contract, which could create significant gaps if nothing is done.

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

While the Braves may not go all out for a starter, it seems clear that this is a position that needs to be addressed. Atlanta is looking for another reliable rotation arm with playoff experience. Heavy.com’s Caleb Kerney believes the Braves could make a trade to acquire José Berríos and Anthony Santander in exchange for two-way prospect Conor Essenburg.

“This trade proposal solves multiple problems for both teams. For the Braves, it gives the disgruntled Berríos a landing spot where he can shine and provide stability to a rotation that needs it. Anthony Santander could have a bounce-back season, giving the Braves more power. The Blue Jays add a 19-year-old prospect, who isn’t even close to being the best in their system. However, Conor Essenburg has an interesting profile. He is listed as an outfielder, but he loves to pitch,” Kerney wrote.

This deal would give the Braves exactly what they are looking for, especially with Berríos providing a top-tier arm. The Blue Jays, in return, would get an exciting young prospect just entering professional baseball.

Anthopoulos is fully aware of how badly the team needs another starter. After last year’s injuries to the rotation, adding depth would be a major boost. Coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs, the Braves are looking to add firepower and position themselves as contenders in 2026.

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