Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has seen enough trade deadlines to know that counting on injured players to solve every problem is a risky strategy. Even with key contributors working their way back, the Braves are actively exploring the trade market as they look to strengthen a team locked in a tightening National League East race.
Speaking Sunday on MLB Network Radio, Anthopoulos said Atlanta is pursuing upgrades rather than assuming injured stars will return on schedule and immediately perform at full strength. While pitching remains the organization’s top priority, he also left the door open to adding another bat if the right opportunity presents itself.
“As much as we all like to say, ‘I need to get this, I need to get that,’ sometimes you just have to take what might be available to you,” Anthopoulos said. “I think it’s been pretty obvious, if there’s a playoff-caliber starter out there, we would jump at that. If there’s a reliever out there, we would jump at that.”
Trade Market Remains Unpredictable
The Braves’ front office faces a difficult trade landscape. Anthopoulos noted that the market has developed slowly because so many clubs remain within reach of a postseason spot, leaving few teams ready to become sellers.
That situation has become even more complicated with the recent turnaround by both the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. Not long ago, both clubs appeared likely to move veteran talent before the deadline. Now, improved play has significantly reduced the chances that either team will break apart its roster. Detroit possesses attractive pitching options such as two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, while Boston has veterans Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman, but those names may never become available if their clubs remain in contention.
Anthopoulos emphasized that timing often determines whether a deadline deal can be completed.
“I think timing and being able to close on a deal, it’s challenging,” Anthopoulos said. “It’s challenging in the offseason, but at least the stats stay permanent. They don’t move. As the train is on the move and performances are changing, things move. So I think timing is very important, in my experience at least. We’re just going to stay engaged with the other 29 clubs.”
Braves Injured Stars Continue Working Back
While Atlanta continues exploring trade possibilities, the club is also monitoring several important injury recoveries.
Ronald Acuña Jr., sidelined with a left hamstring strain, could return before the end of the Braves’ current homestand if his recovery continues as planned. His return would provide an immediate boost to an offense that has missed one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
The pitching staff could also receive reinforcements in the coming weeks. Spencer Schwellenbach has begun throwing bullpen sessions in Florida as he continues recovering from February surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Anthopoulos described the process as essentially serving as Schwellenbach’s version of Spring Training, meaning additional buildup will be required before he is ready for major league competition.
AJ Smith-Shawver appears closer to rejoining the rotation. Recovering from UCL repair surgery performed in June 2025, the young right-hander has already made four rehab starts. His latest outing came Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett, where he tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings, struck out five hitters, and reached 72 pitches.
Rotation Needs Reinforcements
Those returning arms cannot come soon enough. Although Atlanta entered Sunday with the ninth-best starting rotation ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.96, the recent trend has been far less encouraging. Since June 9, Braves starters have combined for a 5.53 ERA across 31 games, creating a growing need for additional stability.
The timing is especially important as the Philadelphia Phillies have erased what was once a 10 1/2-game deficit in the National League East, putting increased pressure on Atlanta to reinforce its roster before the deadline. Whether that help comes through returning players, a significant trade, or a combination of both, Anthopoulos has made it clear the Braves are preparing for every possibility rather than relying on optimism alone.
