Braves Rumors: ESPN outlines Atlanta's trade deadline approach

Yes, the Braves are down two of their best starting pitchers in Max Fried and Kyle Wright, but don't expect them to rush to acquire high-end starters come late July. Ideally, by that time, both Fried and Wright will be off the injured list or nearing a return.

Bradford Doolittle of ESPN recently outlined trade deadline plans for all 30 teams, including Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Surprisingly, those plans did not include much room for pitching upgrades:

"Why they will add: The foundation of the Braves looks as rock solid as ever, with supreme performances from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider marking Atlanta as a prime World Series contender. Under the hood, things look a bit more uneven as a rocket-ship start to the season began to fade around the middle of May as the injuries mounted, particularly to the rotation. The Braves have maintained their perch in the NL East at least in part because their anticipated challengers (New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies) have yet to mount a consistent charge. By the deadline, the Braves should have a more fixed idea of their needs as the injured pitchers hopefully work their way back. Right now, the Braves' team defense looks like a weakness and they have scrambled a bit in the bullpen. With injury luck, the acuity of those cracks in the mortar will be clear by late July."

As Doolittle outlines, starting pitching has actually been a strength for the Braves, despite their recent injuries. If Fried and Wright are back, there's no real rush for them to go out and acquire the likes of Marcus Stroman, Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes. Defense, as well as bullpen help, are prominent issues that Anthopoulos will have to deal with sooner rather than later.

Braves Rumors: AJ Smith-Shawver won't be on the table

A.J. Smith-Shawver made his first start against the Nationals just a few night ago. He still cannot legally drink.

Smith-Shawver is a former seventh-round pick who surprised the Braves front office by how quickly he made his way through the minor-league ranks. Eventually, there was nowhere else to move him to but the big leagues, and Smith-Shawver has received rave reviews early in Atlanta. While he made his first few appearances out of the bullpen, Brian Snitker knew eventually he'd earn his first start. Against the Nationals, it all went according to plan.

"I was trying to hold back a grin," Smith-Shawver said. "It's really cool just to have fans that are really into the game and really support you."

If Atlanta were to make a trade for any controllable starting pitcher this deadline, for example, Smith-Shawver should not be on the table. The Braves farm system is a weak link at this point, as they dealt the majority of their top prospect capital in previous trades for Matt Olson, Sean Murphy and more. Smith-Shawver, a rising star who has already made the majors, may be the best realistic thing they have to offer.

But still, Anthopoulos should resist.

Come playoff time, Smith-Shawver will offer the Braves an asset most contending teams only wish they could have — a relief pitcher capable of going multiple innings, and unencumbered by when he is called upon.

Braves Rumors: Alex Cobb as a surprise trade candidate

Rather than trading for a rental, Atlanta should consider an established starting pitcher like Alex Cobb of the San Francisco Giants. On the surface, trading for Cobb makes a lot of sense. Kyle Wright and Max Fried are injured. Cobb offers support in the middle of the rotation behind the likes of Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton.

However, the surprise could come later on. Trading for Cobb, who has a $10 million club option for 2024, offers the Braves a 2024 replacement for Charlie Morton if they prefer. Morton also has a club option, but his is $20 million. Keeping Cobb for half the price offers up more financial headway for Alex Anthopoulos to work with this winter.

Morton definitely has the better overall resume than Cobb, but the latter is arguably having a better 2023 season, and may make sense long term. Morton will be 40 years old next season, while Cobb is turning 36. He's cheaper, and coming off a better campaign. What's not to love?

Anthopoulos has thrown loyalty out the door many times before — look no further than Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman. In terms of pure fit, FanSided's Cody Williams made that argument earlier this week:

"In 13 starts with the Giants this year, Cobb has been wholly impressive with a 3.01 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. While he has seen his ERA rise relatively recently, he's remained extremely reliable whenever he's been the starter.

With the Giants falling out of contention, though, Cobb is in what could be the final year of his contract as he has a $10 million club option for the 2024 season left on the deal. At 35 years old, that could make him an asset that San Francisco would look to deal to try and get something in return as the franchise seemingly looks toward a younger direction."

Cobb is far more than a rental. He gives the Braves flexibility. What more could Anthopoulos ask for?