The Atlanta Braves have had a solid start to the 2021 season, with a record of 3-2. However, it’s no secret that they are still in need of some help in their starting rotation. With the potential for injuries to pile up, the Braves must be proactive in their search for starting pitching on the external market. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer recently highlighted the Braves as a top trade destination for a $55 million starter from the San Diego Padres.
The Braves’ starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries in recent years. In 2020, they lost Mike Soroka to a torn Achilles and Cole Hamels to a shoulder injury. This year, they’ve already had to deal with the loss of Max Fried to a hamstring strain. These injuries have left the Braves scrambling to find enough quality starters to fill out their rotation.
This is where the Padres’ $55 million starter comes in. While they have not yet disclosed who this starter may be, the Braves have been floated as a potential trade partner due to their need for pitching. And with the Padres’ seemingly endless supply of young pitching talent, it’s not hard to see why the Braves would be interested in making a deal.
But why would the Padres be willing to part ways with such a valuable starter? Well, with their recent signing of Fernando Tatis Jr. to a massive 14-year, $340 million contract, they may be looking to shed some salary in other areas. This could open the door for the Braves to swoop in and make a deal that would benefit both teams.
So, who could this mystery $55 million starter be? Some speculation has centered around Yu Darvish, who the Padres acquired in the offseason. It’s no secret that the Braves were interested in Darvish before he was traded to San Diego. And with his impressive track record and experience, he could be the perfect addition to the Braves’ rotation.
Another name that has been thrown around is Blake Snell, who the Padres acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Snell is a former Cy Young winner and has proven himself as a top-tier starter in the league. Adding him to the Braves’ rotation would be a huge boost and could solidify their pitching staff for years to come.
Of course, there are many other potential trade targets that the Braves could pursue. But the bottom line is that they need to be active in their search for starting pitching. The Braves have a solid core of young talent, with players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Dansby Swanson, and they need to capitalize on this window of opportunity.
In addition to their need for pitching, the Braves also have a prime trade chip in outfielder Cristian Pache. Pache is one of the top prospects in baseball and could be a valuable piece in any potential trade with the Padres. This could be the perfect opportunity for the Braves to make a move and shore up their starting rotation for the long haul.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the Atlanta Braves should be actively searching for starting pitching on the external market. With the potential for injuries to pile up and a need to solidify their rotation, the Braves could be a perfect trade partner for the San Diego Padres’ $55 million starter. With their young core and valuable trade chips, the Braves have the pieces to make a deal that could benefit both teams. So let’s hope that the Braves make a move and continue their quest for a World Series title.
