Braves trade proposal fixes biggest need with three-time $75 million All-Star

The Atlanta Braves haven’t been playing the baseball they were hoping for entering the season, sitting at 9-14 and in last place, even behind the Washington Nationals, in the National League East. 

For a Braves team that was one of the best in baseball a few years ago, and looked to be a potential threat for the next decade, things haven't gone as well as many hoped for. 

Whether the Braves sell at the deadline or try to figure this out, there are multiple ways the organization could go. If they decide to add, it’ll likely come in the form of a starting pitcher. 

In a proposed trade idea from Zach Pressnell of Newsweek, the Braves would accomplish that by trading for Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals, with him citing that the team needs to make a blockbuster trade for a starter. 

“But Strider recently landed back on the injured list, this time with a hamstring injury that he suffered in catch play. While this doesn't seem like a huge deal, Strider is set to miss at least two starts. Hamstring injuries are notorious for nagging on for weeks, so it's tough to tell when the righty will be fully healthy again,” Pressnell wrote.

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“With that in mind, the Braves might want to swing a blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher... The perfect option is St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray.”

Gray has been excellent over the past few seasons, and with the Cardinals expected to sell at the deadline, there could be a scenario where they look to move on from the right-hander, who is on a three-year, $75 million deal. 

A Vanderbilt product, Gray currently owns a 3.41 ERA and has struck out 29 hitters in 29.0 innings.