Braves predicted to use 4.50 ERA ex-top prospect as trade piece at MLB deadline

The Atlanta Braves are approaching the 2026 MLB trade deadline with a few needs to address, with the starting rotation one of the more pressing issues to figure out. But outfield and shortstop are also areas to consider upgrading.

But, with this year being a seller's market, it's going to be a bit difficult to trade for Major League players to bolster their World Series odds without giving up a decent player or prospect in return.

That's why it should come as little surprise that Jesus Cano of The Athletic is predicting 4.50 ERA former top prospect JR Ritchie as the player most likely to be traded by the Braves this summer by the trade deadline.

JR Ritchie is predicted to be most likely player dealt by Braves at deadline

"Ritchie made his MLB debut this season and has shuttled between Triple-A and the majors through the year," Cano writes. "He has a six-pitch mix, with his curveball leading the way, but has struggled with command, as he's walked batters 14 percent of the time. He is just 23, and the right organization could help him elevate his game."

Ritchie is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher who was a top prospect in the Braves system before graduating due to MLB playing time this season.

He has already made 13 appearances in the Majors, starting seven games, and going a total of 54 innings for the Braves. He has allowed 43 hits, 30 runs, nine home runs, and 33 walks with 49 strikeouts.

His 4.50 ERA, 1-2 record, 5.51 FIP, 1.407 WHIP, and 94 ERA+ aren't the best numbers, but there is still potential with his game.

There are three young pitchers the Braves could utilize in trade offers this summer to improve their roster, and of the three, Ritchie is obviously the one most likely to go.

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Didier Fuentes has been good for the Braves out of the bullpen, posting a 2.59 ERA and 1.2 bWAR in 41.2 innings pitched in the Majors this season.

Cam Caminiti is their current top prospect, and ideally, they won't trade him this summer. Unless they could land someone like Byron Buxton or Tarik Skubal, the Braves should instead try to trade Ritchie as the top trade chip this summer.

While he's struggled a bit in the Majors, the upside with Richie as a 2022 first-rounder at just 23 years old is high enough that a team surely will have interest.

With the Braves eyeing help for the rotation, shortstop, and outfield, the Braves player most likely to be on the move this summer is predicted to be Ritchie, who doesn't really have a clean fit on the MLB roster this season.

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