Yes, a trade between division rivals is very, very unlikely. In fact, it's virtually impossible between contenders in the same division. But let's pretend those rules didn't exist for the Braves.
In a world full of dream deals and unrealistic trade proposals, exchanges between division rivals is light work. The NL East is full of contenders and pretenders. Last season, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies made the postseason along with Atlanta, and the Phils made the World Series.
It's further evidence that in this Wild Card format, any team which makes the postseason has a legitimate chance.
The Braves, currently with the best record in the National League and leading the NL East by 5.5 games, could use some upgrades. Specifically, Atlanta's starting pitching is lacking thanks to injuries suffered by Kyle Wright and Max Fried.
With that in mind, perhaps the Braves don't have to look far for an upgrade.
Braves trade suitor: The New York Mets
Yes, it's all kinds of gross. No, it will not happen. Still, let's examine the hypothetical. Who would Atlanta trade for on New York's roster, were the scenario to present itself?
The Mets are a few games over .500 and have one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball. The majority of their pitching staff — at least near the top — is on a short-term contract. Hence, if there were a trade to make here, it should be for Max Scherzer, who is almost sure to test free agency after this season.
Scherzer has struggled at times this season. The veteran is trending in the right direction, though, giving up just one run in his last two starts — totaling 11 innings-plus. With his ERA now barely sitting over four, Scherzer would be an ideal trade fits for most teams.
The Mets aren't most teams, though. Steve Cohen has invested far too much in this payroll to take a loss this year, despite the fact Scherzer would demand a significant return. That makes this deal virtually impossible, which is no surprise to fans familiar with these two rivals.
Scherzer has a player option after the season. If he keeps trending in the right direction, he may test the market in search of one final multiyear deal. But the Braves won't be that suitor.
Grade: D
Braves trade suitor: The Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies may be among the most likely suitor of the bunch. Philadelphia has a lot of money tied up in a few players, and they aren't playing up to their expectations. Philly sports media has painted this week's series against the Braves as a fork in the road. Depending on how it goes, it could signal to the Phillies front office that the time to sell is coming.
Aaron Nola is one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy. However, he's in a contract year and negotiations with the Phillies haven't gone well thus far. Dave Dombrowski sang Nola's praises, but the two sides tabled talks until after the season, when the ace will be a free agent.
"We think the world of Aaron — quality pitcher, quality human being," Dombrowski told reporters. "Sometimes you just get to this point where you're just not able to consummate a deal that both sides feel comfortable [with]. Aaron knows we are very open-minded in trying to sign him at the end of the season. We're hopeful he'll remain a Phillie for a long time."
Nonetheless, the likelihood of the Phils trading one of their best pitchers to a division rival is low, especially considering he'll be a free agent after the season, thus giving Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos a chance to re-sign him.
Grade: C-
Braves trade suitor: The Miami Marlins
If Atlanta is going to trade with any of their NL East rivals, the Marlins and Nationals are the most likely. Miami is a seller most years at the trade deadline, especially when it involves a rental player they will not be able to afford in the offseason.
Enter Jorge Soler, who hit one of the biggest home runs in Atlanta Braves postseason history.
Soler is having another explosive season from the plate, with 15 home runs and a .261/.337/.560 slash line. Soler has a player option after this season, and assuming he keeps hitting this well, he'd be a fool not to opt out and demand more than the $9 million the Marlins are on the hook for.
Deep down, Miami knows they are not destined to make a postseason run just yet. Soler can net them some decent prospect capital, even from a team like Atlanta given their familiarity. This deal, if proposed, could actually happen.
Grade: B
Braves trade suitor: The Washington Nationals
While the Washington Nationals are rebuilding, they don't have too many star rentals available. Just a season after making the Juan Soto trade in a deal that included an absolute haul of San Diego Padres prospects, the Nats are in the next step of their rebuild — watching all that young talent pay off, and helping them develop.
There are a few players on the periphery, of course, including relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. Edwards has an ERA of 2.18 in 22 appearances so far for Washington. Now, because the Nationals aren't very good, many of those outings have been low-leverage compared to a team competing for the postseason. Still, though, Edwards would be a tremendous upgrade for a Braves team searching for bullpen help.
While not necessarily the biggest name on the trade market, Edwards Jr. is a very Alex Anthopoulos-esque addition. He's under the radar, and can add pitching depth at the back end of the Braves bullpen. Atlanta has made similar moves in recent trade deadlines. Why stop now?
Some recent struggles from Raisel Iglesias and A.J. Minter have Atlanta baseball fans wondering if this 'pen can hold up. Bringing Edwards into the mix should help matters.
Grade: B+
