ATLANTA -- Before we delve into whether the Braves should trade for Tarik Skubal, let’s note that they have the financial flexibility and the prospect capital necessary to pursue any of the top players who are made available before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. The Braves’ farm system is as strong as it's been since 2017 when Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Michael Soroka, Ian Anderson and Sean Newcomb were all still in the Minors. Was I rambling? I didn’t even mention Cristian Pache, Kolby Allard or Kevin Maitan. With Cam Caminiti (No. 1 in the Braves' system, No. 46 overall), JR Ritchie (No. 2, No. 58), Tate Southisene (No. 3), Owen Murphy (No. 5), John Gil (No. 9), Eric Hartman (No. 19) and others, it feels like the Braves once again have an abundance of riches on the farm. It also feels like they have enough organizational starting pitching depth to part ways with some of their top young arms if the right deal materializes. So, would it make sense to trade for Skubal? Well, first, the Tigers need to concede and officially become sellers. They sit at 27-39. The only teams to tally 27 or fewer wins through their first 66 games and make the playoffs were the 1914 Boston Braves, who swept the Philadelphia A’s in the World Series, and the 1981 Royals. Then, there’s that part where we have to see how Skubal fares once he returns from his NanoScope, the less invasive procedure to remove a loose body from his left elbow. He began a rehab assignment Sunday and could join Detroit’s rotation within a week. |
Given the significance of the prospect capital the Tigers will demand, I think it would be best to see the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner make at least three starts before getting a feel for how effective he could be down the stretch. You also have to ask yourself: Are you willing to part ways with possibly two or top prospects for what would amount to two months of the regular season and the playoffs? Yeah, the Braves or any other potential trade suitor could attempt to sign Skubal to an extension before he hits the free-agent market in November. But do you really think Scott Boras is going to pass on the chance to take the lefty to market? Skubal will likely be seeking a five-plus year deal that includes an average annual salary of $40-50 million -- or higher. Count me among those who wouldn’t make more than a three-year commitment to any pitcher 30 or older. Personally, I wouldn’t want to pay the prospect price necessary to get what would likely end up being a rental. So, I’m out on Skubal, but all in on the Braves pursuing a top-flight starter. If the postseason started today, Chris Sale would start Game 1 and Bryce Elder would start Game 2 for the Braves. Spencer Strider had to battle during Saturday’s start against the Pirates, but he has shown signs of encouragement during his first month back from the injured list. |
Beyond that, the next best internal option to make a postseason start would be Hurston Waldrep, who is still a few weeks away from being activated from the injured list. Spencer Schwellenbach is playing catch, but it’s too early to know when he might be available this year. More importantly, we don’t know what to expect from him. So, yeah, the Braves should continue to monitor Skubal’s market, while also pursuing Michael Wacha (Royals), Reid Detmers (Angels), Kevin Gausman (if the Blue Jays sell) or Logan Webb (won’t be available, just dreaming here). They should also pursue intra-division deals for Freddy Peralta (Mets) or Sandy Alcantara (Marlins). Quite honestly, I’m not as high on Alcantara as many of these other pitchers. Along with starting pitching, the Braves could look to further strengthen their bullpen and add a right-handed bat. It feels like it might be easier to get a right-handed hitter to play left field against lefties than it would be to get a shortstop, whose presence would allow Mauricio Dubón to continue playing left field when he’s not at short. Regardless of what the Braves end up getting, they will be significant players before this year’s Deadline. They have the $17 million gained when Jurickson Profar was given his 162-game suspension and they have an abundance of prospects who will be in demand over the next couple months. |
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Who has hit the most pinch-hit home runs for the Braves since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966? A) Mike Lum
B) Johan Camargo
C) Brooks Conrad
D) Eric Hinske |
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The first 15,000 fans in attendance for the June 16 game against the Giants will receive a Ronald Acuña Jr. Home Run Tracker Bobblehead featuring him in the 2026 City Connect jersey. Fans can adjust the numbers at the bottom of the bobblehead to track how many home runs Acuña hits throughout the season.
The first 15,000 fans in attendance for the June 17 game against the Giants will receive a Braves Soccer Jersey. Size options include an adult large and adult extra-large, on a first come, first-served basis. |
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Answer: C) Conrad
Conrad hit seven pinch-hit home runs while playing for Atlanta from 2009-11. Joe Adcock also hit a franchise-high seven pinch-hit homers, but his Braves career spanned from 1953-62.
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