Braves earn praise from ex-MLB GM for 'blocking' two potential Phillies trades

The Atlanta Braves didn't wind up landing Tarik Skubal, or one of the top starting pitchers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

They walked away with two key additions, however, in right-handed starting pitcher Tyler Mahle in a deal with the San Francisco Giants, and right-handed hitting outfielder Lane Thomas in a deal with the Kansas City Royals.

Those two trades from the Braves earned them some praise from ex-MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic for how they "blocked" the rival Philadelphia Phillies from adding both of those players, who fit the Phillies' needs perfectly.

Braves praised for 'blocking' Phillies amid Thomas, Mahle deals

"Best job of blocking another team from getting players: Atlanta Braves blocking the Philadelphia Phillies from acquiring Tyler Mahle and Lane Thomas," Bowden writes.

The Phillies had three main needs to address at this year's trade deadline: starting rotation depth, bullpen help, and a right-handed hitting outfielder.

They got their bullpen need filled, and also added Luis Arraez to bolster their offense. But the Phillies did not end up adding a starting pitcher, nor did they add a right-handed hitting outfielder.

Bowden awarded the Braves with some praise for blocking the Phillies from addressing those two needs, as Thomas and Mahle would've made perfect sense for the Phillies amid their weaker farm system.

MORE: Braves get unexpectedly weak grade from ESPN for Lane Thomas trade with Royals

As Bowden notes on the Phillies' potential for these two new Braves players, "Mahle and Thomas would have been perfect fits on their roster."

The Braves added both, and while their own fans might be a little underwhelmed by the deadline, if these two additions did block the Phillies from getting better, then it can be viewed as a bit more positive a deadline than before.

Sure, the Braves would have likely loved to add a top-of-the-rotation starter to pair with Chris Sale. But, if nothing else, they blocked their biggest rival from improving their roster in a meaningful way this summer. That's a win on its own.

More MLB news:

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• Tigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPN
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