Don’t Forget The Bullpen First
Alex Anthopoulos is not waiting around. He knows the team needs more than just a big-name starter to win again. According to MLB.On Sunday night, he executed a trade to acquire Tyler Mahle from the Giants, joining the Braves. This was a clear step to bolster the back of the rotation. But the real work starts in the bullpen. The team needs to add multiple relievers to help a staff that has been taxed hard all season. Fans remember the 2021 magic. They remember the big names like Jorge Soler and Eddie Rosario. They also remember the Night Shift. But many forget Richard RodrÃguez. He was horrible in September and did not even make the postseason roster. Yet he earned that World Series title. How? By lightening the load for the four key relievers who became heroes in October. Raisel Iglesias, Dylan Lee, and Didier Fuentes already form a robust trio for the Braves. There is hope Robert Suarez will return, but manager Walt Weiss said he is still not close to playing. Weiss noted this on Friday. Suarez has been sidelined since late June. The team cannot assume he will be ready. They need insurance now.
Leave No Stone Unturned
Anthopoulos is being aggressive. He recently asked the Rangers about Jacob deGrom. He knew it was a long shot. He kept an eye on the Tarik Skubal market too. The Giants have said Logan Webb is unavailable. But other sources say the three-time All-Star could be on the block. The team might still land Casey Mize from the Tigers. The market for relievers is not full of sexy names. Mason Miller and Josh Hader might stay in place. But value exists with players on teams out of playoff contention. The 2021 Trade Deadline proved this. The team found gems where others looked away. This time is no different. The regular off-days in the postseason allow teams to lean on the same four relievers. That is why depth matters so much.
Repeat The Magic Or Fail
The goal is to repeat the ’21 magic. But you cannot do that with a fragile bullpen. The front office must upgrade the rotation and the bullpen at the same time. They cannot leave any stone unturned. The 2026 Trade Deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. ET. That is the clock ticking. If the team waits for Suarez to get healthy, they risk running out of time. If they only chase a starter, they ignore a massive hole. The Night Shift worked because the setup men were fresh. This year, the setup men are tired. The math is simple. You need more arms to get to the playoffs. Do you think the Braves will find value in the reliever market this year?
