The Atlanta Braves reached the All-Star break atop the National League East with a 55-40 record, holding a slim two-game advantage over the Philadelphia Phillies.
While Atlanta enjoyed a strong first half overall, the club stumbled through a difficult stretch in June and is looking to regain momentum as the season resumes.
With the trade deadline approaching, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has indicated that Atlanta plans to be active in the market if it remains firmly in contention.
The front office is expected to focus heavily on improving a pitching staff that has become a growing concern over the past several weeks.
Atlanta’s starting rotation, once viewed as a major strength, struggled to find consistency during June.
Outside of ace Chris Sale, the Braves received uneven production from the rest of their starters, increasing the urgency to add another reliable arm before the deadline.
Because of those struggles, many around the league believe Atlanta will pursue a starting pitcher. ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently suggested New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta as a potential fit.
While Peralta has not been dominant this season, his track record and ability to miss bats could make him an appealing option for a Braves team seeking stability behind Sale.
A deal between division rivals would certainly be surprising, but Peralta could address one of Atlanta’s biggest needs.
The veteran right-hander is playing on the final year of his $15 million contract and enters the second half looking to recapture the form that helped him lead the National League in wins during the 2025 season.
Whether the Braves ultimately land Peralta or another starter, the expectation around baseball is that Atlanta will be among the most aggressive teams searching for rotation help as it looks to maintain its lead in the NL East and strengthen its postseason chances.
