Braves Way Too Early Trade Targets: Starting Pitchers
A lot can happen between now and the trade deadline, but the Braves needs are clear and obvious. Another outfielder to hit against left-handed pitchers would make a lot of sense, given Jurickson Profar is ineligible for the postseason. Shortstop also needs to be upgraded; however, nothing needs more work than the pitching staff as a whole.
This is part one of a series that will highlight some notable potential trade candidates at positions of need for the Braves, beginning with starting pitchers.
Braves Trade Targets
Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Sandy Alcantara put together one of the best seasons from a starting pitcher in recent memory back in 2022, winning the NL Cy Young award after posting a 2.28 ERA over a remarkable 228.2 innings. However, he missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and is not off to the greatest of starts in 2025, boasting a 6.56 ERA with a shockingly low 6.6 K/9 for a pitcher that throws so hard. Still, the upside is immense, and he comes with two more years of team control after this season.
Trades within the division are unusual, but with the Marlins, they are commonplace. Miami has made a slew of trades to division rivals in recent years, including this past offseason, when they dealt Jesus Luzardo to the Phillies.
Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels
Led by Ron Washington, the Angels were one of the surprises early on in the season. But regression has hit them over the last couple of weeks, and even in a weak division, they are unlikely to make a playoff push. Tyler Anderson is in the final year of his contract which is paying him $13 million. He owns a 2.60 ERA this season after posting a 3.81 ERA in 2024. Not a guy that that should be confused with a frontline starter, but the Braves need depth more than anything, and Anderson shouldn’t cost too much in terms of prospects.
Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays
Bassitt has been as consistent as they come dating back to 2020, boasting a 3.44 ERA over the last six seasons and has made at least 27 starts in every season since 2021. The Blue Jays are one of those organizations that are desperate to remain competitive. They aren’t going to give up on the season easily, but if they fall far enough behind, unloading a guy like Bassitt, who is in the final year of his contract, makes a lot of sense.
Andrew Heaney, Pittsburgh Pirates
Heaney is off to a red-hot start, recording 2.50 ERA through his first six starts. His 4.37 ERA over 12 MLB seasons suggests that’s not something that’s sustainable, but he’s a solid depth piece that could potentially start a playoff game if needed. Plus, he’s only on a one-year, $5.25 million contract and shouldn’t cost any top prospects at the trade deadline.
