The Atlanta Braves need to strengthen their starting rotation, which battled for depth in 2024. Chris Sale was exceptional, earning the National League Cy Young Award.
Max Fried was an exceptional player, however he has since signed with the New York Yankees. Reynaldo Lopez was good while healthy, and that appears to be the only thing restricting his potential. Charlie Morton is also a free agent and appears unlikely to re-sign with Atlanta.
The Braves may use a blockbuster trade to get a starting pitcher, and the San Diego Padres are an ideal trading partner. FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently proposed that the Braves trade for Padres ace Dylan Cease this offseason. Cease is expected to earn $13 million in 2025 before signing a $108 million contract in free agency next winter, according to Spotrac. “But Cease’s performance in 2022 is the key reason for his popularity. Mountz stated, “That year, Cease finished second in the AL Cy Young voting, putting up a magnificent 2.20 ERA despite leading the MLB in free passes with 78.” “If the Braves can resurrect his 2022 performance, which appears to be plausible given their coaching staff’s track record, the Braves will have a championship-caliber club. Cease is due $13 million next season before becoming a free agent. A trade for Cease would be rather expensive.
It would most likely begin with one of the Braves’ best pitching prospects, though Atlanta would want to retain both Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver. Players like Bryce Elder and Hurston Waldrep might be relocated to San Diego as the Padres consider these offers. Atlanta would have to move more talent to obtain Cease. While nothing is allegedly being negotiated, this is the type of deal that makes a lot of sense.
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