Braves predicted to trade Ozzie Albies for $56M Cy Young winner to bolster starting rotation

The Atlanta Braves battled injuries throughout the 2025 season, affecting both position players and pitchers. So far in 2026, the injury bug has continued to impact the starting rotation. One of the key names is Hurston Waldrep, who is now expected to be sidelined until around midseason.

“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.

The Braves have been linked to potentially adding another starter, and one proposed trade would send Ozzie Albies to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Sandy Alcantara.

“We expect the Braves to have the better offense between these two teams. So far this season, they have scored seven more runs, and we don't expect that gap to close. Because of that, Albies could see his RBIs and runs scored take a bit of a dip in Miami. Regardless, he'd still be a strong starting 2B option. For Alcantara, he could finally find himself on a team with legitimate championship hopes, which should only force him to step his game up down the stretch. The only concern is that Truist Park is a much more hitter-friendly ballpark. Still, that wouldn't be enough to scare us off of him,” SI’s Mike Morales-Smith wrote.

This move could make sense for Atlanta, especially considering Albies’ contract situation.

“The Braves are going to pick up their club option on infielder Ozzie Albies. The club hasn’t announced the decision yet, but president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the move in a radio appearance, per Mark Zinno of 92.9 The Game,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

If the Braves were to acquire Alcantara, they would be taking on his $56 million contract with Miami. Adding a pitcher of his caliber would give Atlanta one of the strongest rotations in baseball.

The Braves have started the season as one of the top teams in the league, with dominant starting pitching. Still, there is always room to add more depth to an already talented staff.

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