Braves 'perfect' trade target named as Blue Jays' 4.51 ERA All-Star starter

The Atlanta Braves are going to be trade deadline buyers this summer, and while they could pursue help for the lineup, the starting rotation is their top need.

As good as Chris Sale is, and even with how good some of their other options have been, the Braves really could use another pitcher to trust come the postseason.

That's why Jim Bowden of The Athletic, in identifying the Braves' "perfect" trade target, called out Toronto Blue Jays right-handed All-Star starter Kevin Gausman as the pitcher the Braves should pursue.

Braves 'perfect' trade target is Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman

"The Braves are looking for a starting pitcher who can start a playoff game, and if the Blue Jays decide to sell, then the impending free agent Gausman, with his postseason experience, would be a realistic target," Bowden writes.

Adding help to the rotation makes a lot of sense for the Braves, and Gausman would be a sensible trade target for Atlanta this summer.

He didn't put the Braves on his eight-team no-trade list, which means the Braves can trade for him without Gausman shutting down a trade.

The veteran right-hander is in the final year of a $110 million, five-year contract, and should be available if the Blue Jays can't make up significant ground between now and the August 3 trade deadline.

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Gausman is 35 years old and just had a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings of work in the postseason last year for the Blue Jays en route to the World Series.

While he's struggling a bit this season, posting a 4.51 ERA in 21 starts with a 4-9 record, the Blue Jays right-hander would still be a solid option for the Braves in the trade market.

Unlike Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan, among other top options, Gausman shouldn't cost a fortune to acquire from the Blue Jays. His huge contract makes the deal a bit tricky, as do his struggles this season.

Gausman was called the Braves' "perfect" trade target this summer by Bowden, and for good reason. He's a realistic option and would be a big help for the Atlanta rotation behind Sale come the postseason.

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