The Atlanta Braves remain firmly in the postseason hunt, and adding another impact arm before the MLB trade deadline could provide the boost needed for a second half push.
Whether Atlanta is searching for a frontline ace or another dependable starter to strengthen the rotation, several high profile pitchers could become available if their clubs decide to make moves. Here are three names the Braves could target before the deadline.
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
If the Braves want to make the biggest splash of the trade season, Tarik Skubal would immediately top the list.
The left hander has established himself as one of baseball’s premier starters, thanks to his overpowering fastball, elite command and ability to miss bats. Skubal has consistently pitched like a Cy Young contender and would instantly give Atlanta another dominant arm alongside its current rotation.
Landing Skubal would not come cheap. Detroit would likely demand multiple top prospects and young major league talent in return. Unless the Tigers unexpectedly shift into seller mode, this remains the least likely deal on the list.
Still, if Skubal somehow becomes available, the Braves would be wise to at least explore the possibility.
2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Paul Skenes has not quite matched the dominant numbers from his first two seasons but he continues to perform at an elite level.
The hard throwing right hander owns a 7-8 record with a 3.58 ERA and an outstanding 1.04 WHIP, proving he remains one of the most talented young pitchers in baseball despite a slight statistical regression.
Pittsburgh has reportedly expressed a desire to build a winner around Skenes and get him to the postseason as soon as possible, making a trade difficult to imagine. However, if the Pirates decide they need to accelerate their rebuild with a blockbuster package, Atlanta could at least gauge the asking price.
Skenes would immediately become a franchise cornerstone for any contender willing to pay the enormous cost.
3. Reid Detmers, Los Angeles Angels
Reid Detmers may be the most realistic option of the three.
The Angels once again appear headed toward another season outside the playoff picture, making several veterans and controllable players potential trade candidates. Detmers has enjoyed a breakout campaign in the rotation while showing the upside that made him a first-round draft pick.
Perhaps most importantly, the left hander still has two full seasons of club control beyond the 2026 season. That combination of performance, age and affordability gives him significant trade value while also making him an attractive long-term fit for Atlanta.
Unlike a blockbuster pursuit of Skubal or Skenes, a deal for Detmers could strengthen the Braves’ rotation both for this season and for years to come.
Every contender is searching for pitching this time of year, and the Braves are no exception. While Skubal and Skenes would require franchise altering trade packages, Detmers represents a more attainable target with long-term upside.
If Atlanta hopes to make another deep postseason run, adding another quality starter before the deadline could prove to be one of the organization’s most important moves of the season.
