Insiders Discuss Potential Trade for Brady Tkachuk
Due to a series of injuries, the Atlanta Braves are poised to be major players ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season due to a torn ACL, upgrading the outfield seems inevitable. GM Alex Anthopoulos is likely to follow his previous strategy of seeking replacements in such situations. However, there are multiple areas on the roster that could be enhanced.
Potential Upgrades and Trade Rumors
Anthopoulos has a history of upgrading all areas, even positions of strength. Shortstop and pitching are key areas that could see improvements. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has highlighted the Braves as the top landing spot for Marlins lefty Jesús Luzardo.
Emerging Talents and Roster Challenges
The emergence of Reynaldo López in the Braves’ rotation has been dampened by the loss of ace Spencer Strider to elbow surgery. This leaves a significant gap in the No. 5 starter spot.
Prospect Spencer Schwellenbach made his MLB debut, following Bryce Elder, Darius Vines, Allan Winans, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Ray Kerr in an attempt to stabilize the rotation. Elder, an All-Star in 2023, is currently working through struggles at the Triple-A level with a 6.46 ERA over 23.2 innings in five starts.
While the top of the Braves’ rotation has been strong, the revolving door in the fifth spot highlights the need for more proven depth. Luzardo would address one of the few glaring holes on the roster.
The Case for Luzardo
The fifth spot in the rotation becomes less critical in the postseason, where only four starters are typically needed. However, adding Luzardo makes sense for several reasons:
- Health Concerns: Injuries to key pitchers like Chris Sale, Max Fried, or Reynaldo Lopez would be detrimental. The Braves’ success heavily relies on their pitching staff staying healthy.
- López’s Durability: López is in his first year as a starter since 2019. Luzardo has the potential to be a top-three starter for the Braves, even if he’s off to a rough start in 2024.
- Future Planning: Max Fried’s impending free agency, Charlie Morton’s potential retirement, and Spencer Strider’s recovery from a torn UCL create uncertainty for the 2025 rotation. Luzardo, under team control through the 2026 season, would provide long-term stability.
Reuter’s Hypothetical Trade Proposal
Reuter suggests the Braves acquire LHP Jesús Luzardo in exchange for:
- RHP Hurston Waldrep (No. 73 on B/R Top 100)
- RHP JR Ritchie
- C Drake Baldwin
- RHP Lucas Braun
This trade is considered fair for a pitcher of Luzardo’s caliber. While Waldrep is a promising prospect, pitching prospects can be volatile. Ritchie, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is still years away from contributing. Baldwin is a solid catching prospect, but the Braves already have Sean Murphy.
Final Thoughts
While it’s debatable whether the Braves are the top landing spot for Luzardo, they certainly have a compelling need for his talent. The combination of immediate pitching support and future stability makes this potential trade highly attractive.
Anthopoulos must weigh the immediate benefits against the long-term planning needs of the Braves. If Luzardo joins, it could significantly bolster the Braves’ chances for success in the postseason and beyond.
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