Braves are 'long shot' to trade for Tigers' Cy Young ace to pair with fellow lefty Chris Sale

Apr 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball during the 2026 MLB season, and it would come as no surprise if they were buyers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

If they are buying, there are a few things the team could use. While bullpen help is always welcome, Atlanta could also add more outfield help as well. But another good starting pitcher would be high on their list of needs.

However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic handed the Braves "long shot" odds to trade for what's very likely to be the best starting pitcher available this season at the trade deadline. The dream of pairing Chris Sale with Tarik Skubal, both Cy Young lefties, has long odds.

Braves are a ' long shot' to trade for Tarik Skubal

"Team president Alex Anthopoulos would take the call and see what a potential deal would look like," Bowden writes, "but it's a long shot that he'd put all his chips in to land Skubal."

Even though being able to swing a deal with the Detroit Tigers for Skubal would be a dream outcome for any franchise for the 2026 season, the actual cost won't be cheap.

While Atlanta is a World Series contender, it's not an all-in team for the 2026 season and would be better off retaining their top assets to better plan for the future.

MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM

Add in that they already have a good rotation with Sale, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder, and the need to trade for Skubal isn't as great as it is for other teams.

If one of their starters were to get hurt or start to struggle to a worrying degree before the trade deadline, then maybe the Braves are a bit more serious suitors for Skubal.

But for now, the Braves are more likely to pass on Skubal, despite how fun the pairing of Sale and Skubal would be in the Braves' starting rotation.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
• Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem
• Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
• Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons