The second half of this Atlanta Braves season isn’t just about winning games; it’s about playing the front-office chessboard like a grandmaster. As the trade deadline creeps closer, Atlanta’s front office is staring down a familiar dilemma. Do they try to go all-in now or thread the needle and make moves that help today and tomorrow? There are no easy calls here.
The Braves have a stacked core locked up for the foreseeable future — we’re talking a roster that most MLB teams would kill to have — but this season hasn’t exactly gone to script. With some pitching struggles and inconsistency at the plate, the pressure’s on to recalibrate before October slips out of reach.
The Braves Untouchables
Now, let’s talk names — because there are a few guys on this roster who could draw real interest, and the front office isn’t shying away from that reality. First up: Marcell Ozuna. He’s raking, let’s be honest, and on paper, he could bring back a haul. But here’s the twist — his 10-and-5 rights give him the power to veto any trade. So, unless Ozuna wants out (which, why would he right now?), that’s a tough one to swing.
Next, there’s Raisel Iglesias. The veteran closer has been shaky this year, but still has that playoff-tested vibe. He’s shown signs of life lately, and that could be enough to tempt a team in the hunt for bullpen help. He’s probably not netting you a top-100 prospect, but he’s also not going to get ignored if his velocity holds steady and his command tightens up.
Pierce Johnson: Deadline Sleeper Pick?
But the guy we really need to talk about — the most likely domino to fall — is Pierce Johnson. This dude is dealing. A 2.67 ERA, over 10 K/9, and he’s limiting damage with a lethal fastball (.125 average against). The curveball? Nasty enough to keep hitters guessing with a 27.9% whiff rate. He’s not a rental either — there’s a 2026 team option baked in, which makes him even more appealing to contenders desperate for bullpen stability.
What makes Johnson a strong candidate for relocation is the combination of effectiveness, experience, and short-term flexibility. He’s not going to headline a blockbuster, but he will get phone calls coming into the Atlanta front office, especially from GMs eyeing a playoff run who need one more bullpen arm to feel complete.
What’s the Return For Atlanta?
Now don’t expect a king’s ransom in return — he’s not a young, controllable ace. But mid-tier prospects? A depth piece or two that helps for next year? That’s very much on the table. And listen, for a Braves team that’s not only fighting for a Wild Card spot but trying to stay championship-relevant for years to come, those small moves matter.
Don’t be surprised if Pierce Johnson is wearing a new uniform in a few weeks. The Braves have big decisions to make — and this is one that might just make itself.
