Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos is approaching the trade deadline with caution, knowing from experience that relying solely on injured players returning to strengthen the roster can be risky.
The Braves are hopeful that several key contributors could rejoin the team in the coming weeks, including star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver.
However, Anthopoulos emphasized that the organization cannot assume those returns will immediately solve its problems, which is why Atlanta remains active in exploring trade opportunities.
Speaking on MLB Network Radio, Anthopoulos said the Braves are evaluating a variety of options and remain flexible about where they could improve.
While pitching remains the club’s most obvious need, he did not rule out adding offensive help if the right opportunity becomes available.
Anthopoulos noted that Atlanta would eagerly pursue a playoff-caliber starting pitcher or impact reliever if one becomes available, but he also acknowledged that the current market has been difficult to navigate.
With many teams still in contention for postseason spots, there are fewer clear sellers than expected, limiting the number of available impact players.
The situation has become even more complicated because clubs such as the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox have recently improved their playoff positioning.
Both organizations possess several attractive trade candidates, but their resurgence has made it increasingly unlikely that they will move top talent before the deadline.
Despite the uncertainty, the Braves continue to monitor the market while staying in contact with teams around the league.
Anthopoulos stressed that timing is often the most challenging part of completing deals, especially during the season when player performance and team standings can quickly alter trade discussions.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is encouraged by the progress of its injured players. Acuña could return before the end of the current homestand, while Schwellenbach has resumed bullpen sessions as he works back from elbow surgery.
Smith-Shawver appears even closer to returning after making four rehab starts, including a recent scoreless outing for Triple-A Gwinnett.
The Braves’ urgency to add pitching has increased as the Philadelphia Phillies continue to gain ground in the National League East race.
Although Atlanta’s rotation has produced respectable numbers overall this season, it has struggled in recent weeks, posting a 5.53 ERA since early June.
Whether help arrives through returning players or a trade deadline acquisition, the Braves are searching for answers as they try to maintain their division lead and strengthen their postseason outlook.
