Atlanta Braves Rumors: Does a Mike Trout trade make any sense?
Atlanta doesn't have an eye towards the offseason just yet, but fans ought to pay attention to Mike Trout's situation with the Los Angeles Angels. Trout is loyal, and he's sure to honor his contract with the Angels rather than demanding out of Anaheim. However, if Arte Moreno and Trout have a mutual understanding that the latter wants to play for a winner, then Atlanta could enter the conversation.
That's a huge what if, and it should be noted that FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray does not believe the Angels will trade Trout:
"But a trade is unlikely for a multitude of reasons. First, Trout is extremely loyal. He signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract through the 2030 season with the vision of retiring with the Angels. He wanted to be in Anaheim, and all indications are that he wants to remain with the franchise. Perhaps that changes if team owner Arte Moreno informs Trout that he's opting for a multi-year rebuild. But Moreno, aside from a historic teardown in mid-August, has always avoided rebuilding and prefers to be competitive."
Atlanta could use a corner outfielder, especially one of Trout's skillset. If the two sides were to link up for a deal it would surely cost the Braves some of their top prospects, such as AJ Smith-Shawver and Vaughn Grissom. FanSided's Kevin Henry suggested Atlanta makes sense as a trade partner on Thursday:
"Alex Anthopoulos has been known to take some chances in the past, including making deals to rebuild his outfield ahead of the 2021 MLB trade deadline. The moves paid off, with the Braves winning the Fall Classic that season. Would this be the craziest move he could make, especially with Michael Harris II quite content in center field? Possibly so."
It's possible, but certainly not probable.
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Do the Braves have a backup plan for Kyle Wright?
Kyle Wright made just five starts this season before he was placed on the injured list with a shoulder issue. Then, he missed the better part of three months before he came back this week against the Phillies. His first start did not go as planned, as Wright gave up six runs to Atlanta's division rival in just over three innings.
It begs to question: Should the Braves be counting on Wright to make quality starts this postseason? The easy answer here is no. Wright is hardly in a position to even throw 70-plus pitches in a game, as he's on a strict pitch count as he builds up his arm strength again.
Wright could serve as the starter for an opener of sorts if Atlanta were to employ one at some point this postseason, but he's not in any position to pitch high-leverage innings (plural). Wright may have won 20 games last season, but 2023 has not been kind to him. If Brian Snitker and Alex Anthopoulos are smart, they will add several long relievers to the postseason roster, namely A.J. Smith-Shawver and more, who could spell Wright in the event he does start.
Even if Wright pitches decently down the stretch, this week was a wake-up call. There's no chance he'll be ready to pitch five-plus innings in the playoffs, and that's just fine considering the rest of the Braves rotation consists of Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider and more.
Atlanta Braves Rumors: Phillies fans were extra salty
When Phillies manager Rob Thomson suggested that Ronald Acuña should act like he's "been there before" while celebrating his home runs, the veteran skipper essentially declared war on Braves Country, and it will not end well for his team. Yes, the Phils defeated Atlanta in last year's postseason, but this Atlanta squad is well prepared for a rematch.
As the Braves celebrated on the field following their division-clinching win, fans booed Acuña, and he wanted more.
With the win, the Braves now hold a 17-game advantage in the NL East, and have won 96 games overall. They should reach 100+ victories and then some relatively easily. They are the first team to clinch their division so far this season, thanks to a lineup which is on a record pace.
However, this Atlanta team is built different, as they had to overcome injuries at the front of their starting rotation. Both Wright and Max Fried were out for months, yet the Braves kept winning at the same pace. As a result, their pitching staff is deeper and more proven than ever.
