The Atlanta Braves, after getting swept by the San Diego Padres this week, could feel increased pressure. With their lead over the Phillies in the NL East trimmed to 4.5 games, they may need to pursue a significant trade. Spencer Strider’s injury and uneven performances from several starters make Atlanta an attractive destination for many starting pitchers available on the trade market.
Sitting at the bottom of the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals are prime candidates to sell at the trade deadline. One name drawing attention is former All-Star Michael Wacha, who’s having a strong season and could be an affordable, effective addition the Braves might pursue.
Braves Should Inquire About Michael Wacha
The Braves should at least give the Royals’ front office a dial on the phone, and see what it would take to acquire Michael Wacha.
Atlanta continues to be linked to all the top starters thought to be available on the trade block (Joe Ryan, Robbie Ray, and Tarik Skubal), but the Braves may not want to part with some of their top prospects, and acquiring Wacha might not require doing that.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently listed Michael Wacha as a potential trade candidate:
“Wacha has been a steady presence in the Royals’ rotation, posting a 3.64 ERA in an AL-high 94 innings this season. But Kansas City is having a disappointing season and could look to move the soon-to-be 35-year-old, who is earning $18 million this season and is set to make $14 million in 2027 with a $14 million club option for 2028.”
What Would Michael Wacha Trade Cost the Braves?
Well, it depends on who the Braves are willing to part with, and a few prospects/pitchers that come to mind include: AJ Smith-Shawver (injured), Owen Murphy (prospect), Grant Holmes (current member of rotation), or Alex Lodise (SS prospect).
If the Braves center a trade around any of those four names, and then add in another top-25 prospect or two, that should be enough to land a starter like Michael Wacha.
Regardless, the Braves are going to continue to be rumored to be in the running for all the top starters in MLB as their need for depth starters grows.
I’m not here to suggest the sky is falling in Atlanta, because there are still about half of the games left to be played, but after Chris Sale, would fans be comfortable rolling out Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Martin Perez in a potential five or seven-game series?
