Braves 'realistic' trade idea pairs cash with top prospect for 2.61 ERA Red Sox ace

The Atlanta Braves are sitting 3.0 games up in the NL East, with both the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins hot on their trail. A rough stretch once again, and the Braves could easily be third in the division.

With that in mind, it's imperative that the Braves spend a bit at the MLB trade deadline to stave off the Phillies and Marlins. They have two clear needs worth addressing: shortstop and starting pitcher.

For the latter, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller proposed a "realistic" trade idea that would have the Braves pairing cash considerations and a top prospect in a deal with the Boston Red Sox for 2.61 ERA ace Sonny Gray in a deal that'd make a lot of sense.

Braves trade idea swaps prospect, cash with Red Sox for Sonny Gray

"Realistic Trade: Atlanta Braves acquire RHP Sonny Gray from Boston Red Sox for RHP Owen Murphy and cash considerations," Miller proposed.

This trade idea from Miller isn't a terrible one for the Braves, as they have plenty of cash to use in a deal, and Owen Murphy isn't an extremely valuable prospect.

He's one of their better pitching prospects, but the 22-year-old right-hander isn't one of their top-three pitchers in Cam Caminiti, RJ Ritchie, or Didier Fuentes.

Being able to acquire a good starting pitcher like Gray without giving up Fuentes, Ritchie, or Caminiti would be a huge win.

While it might not be Tarik Skubal, like what's often been speculated this summer, Gray to the Braves would be a fantastic addition to the rotation.

MORE: 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline

The 36-year-old right-hander has a 2.61 ERA this season with a 10-1 record and 2.2 bWAR in 16 starts with 82 strikeouts and a 1.104 WHIP in 89.2 innings pitched.

Adding Gray to the rotation alongside Chris Sale would give Atlanta the kind of pitching duo that can make a difference come October.

Even if Spencer Strider and the other injured starters aren't back yet, or are struggling, the Braves would be fine with Sale and Gray leading the way.

This "realistic" trade idea from Miller would make for a fantastic deal for the Braves if they could pull it off, as adding a pitcher like Gray without giving up one of their top three young pitchers would be a huge win for Atlanta.

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