MLB reporter says Braves need $32M Cy Young winner as saving grace for World Series push

The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the trade deadline and hope to make impactful moves that can give them a chance to compete for a World Series title. The Braves started the second half of the season on a positive note, picking up a win over the Texas Rangers.

However, Atlanta struggled throughout June, causing concern among fans and raising questions about the team's postseason chances. At the trade deadline, the Braves will likely focus on adding another starting pitcher.

“The Atlanta Braves find themselves in desperate need of stability in their starting rotation. What started as a strength has quickly devolved into a glaring weakness. GM Alex Anthopoulos has some serious work to do at the trade deadline to get things back on track. Chris Sale is the only truly dependable arm in the rotation at the moment. Everyone else has been average at best,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

The Braves have been linked to two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal for much of the summer as they look to strengthen their rotation.

“This bold prediction says that, despite their recent hot streak, the Tigers will indeed trade Skubal at the deadline. It won't be an easy choice for the front office and the fan base will be upset, but it is likely to be the ruthlessly correct baseball decision. Where will Skubal wind up? My guess is with the Braves, though I hardly think that's a lock. The bidding war will be intense,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

Skubal has been one of the most popular names connected to Atlanta this summer, but MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger believes the Braves will not have a chance at winning the World Series unless they acquire the left-hander.

“Tarik Skubal to the Atlanta Braves HAS to happen if the Braves want to go to the World Series,” Amsinger said.

While the Braves' rotation has been inconsistent at times, that prediction may be a little extreme. After all, Atlanta’s most recent World Series championship came during a season when the team did not have a winning record until August.

Skubal is entering the final year of his $32 million contract. The Braves would love to add an arm of his caliber to their rotation, but acquiring him would be a difficult task. Amsinger believes there is no path to a World Series title without the southpaw, but as baseball has shown time and time again, anything can happen in October.

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