Braves predicted to go all-in for $32M 2-time Cy Young winner after Spencer Strider injury

The Atlanta Braves just earned their 46th win of the season with a road victory over the New York Mets. It has been an exciting year for Atlanta, with even more expected as the season continues.

The Braves have remained competitive all season despite battling significant injuries. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has even hinted at some moves ahead of the trade deadline.

“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I'm not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we're playing the way we are right now, we're going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.

The trade deadline picture may have become even more urgent after it was announced that Spencer Strider will once again be placed on the injured list.

“The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing elbow. Right-hander Anthony Molina was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move. The placement comes a day after Strider was removed during the fourth inning of Friday’s 7-5 loss to the Mets,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.

With Strider sidelined, the Braves’ rotation takes a significant hit. Atlanta may now need to pursue a major starting pitcher addition, and SI’s Thomas Carelli believes that could be Tarik Skubal.

“Braves Get: SP, Tarik Skubal. Tigers Get: SP, Cam Caminiti (No. 1 team prospect) SP/RP, JR Ritchie (No. 2 team prospect) 3B, Nacho Alvarez Jr. (Deeper-ranked prospect) OF, Luis Guanipa (No. 20 team prospect) SP, Hurston Waldrep (Unraked on IR, high-upside prospect). The Braves have a good rotation, but Skubal would make them great. The team has been labeled as ready to make a big move if the timing is right. The team has nearly twice as many wins as losses this season. They have the best record in MLB, ahead of the Dodgers,” Carelli wrote.

Acquiring Skubal would be a massive move, though it would likely be a short-term rental through the remainder of the season. Atlanta typically avoids making deals of this magnitude, but with this roster’s championship window open, the urgency is clear.

The Braves would only need to absorb the remaining portion of Skubal’s $32 million contract. Pairing him with Chris Sale would give Atlanta two of the most dominant left-handers in baseball. This is the type of aggressive move the Braves now appear positioned—and motivated—to make.

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