Amidst numerous players on the injured list, discussions about the trade deadline are gaining traction within Braves circles. The absence of their ace pitcher early in the season has potentially altered the team’s strategy, prompting speculation about whether General Manager Alex Anthopoulos will aggressively pursue a frontline starter mid-season.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield has initiated trade deadline conversations for all 30 MLB teams, focusing on the players most likely to be traded from each organization. For the Braves, their 2022 first-round pick, Owen Murphy, is identified as a potential trade candidate.
The recent injury to pitcher Spencer Strider suggests a potential direction for trades: starting pitching. However, the Braves’ farm system ranks low, limiting their options for acquiring quality starters. Despite Murphy’s promising start in High-A, improvements in his performance may be necessary for him to become a significant contributor at the major league level.
The dilemma for the Braves lies in determining what they are willing to sacrifice to bolster their chances of winning now. While they have enough prospect capital to execute trades, reluctance to part with key prospects like AJ Smith-Shawver or Hurston Waldrep may limit their options.
Trading Murphy could make sense if it brings back a valuable asset, but Anthopoulos may prioritize retaining him given his potential and current performance. However, holding onto Murphy could further deplete the Braves’ minor league talent pool, highlighting the trade-offs involved in pursuing immediate success.