Braves predicted to trade for top starting pitcher, but not Tarik Skubal

Braves predicted to trade for top starting pitcher, but not Tarik Skubal originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Atlanta Braves are approaching the 2026 MLB trade deadline as a clear buyer. Their top needs are in the starting rotation, bullpen, the outfield, and shortstop.

While there aren’t a ton of great outfield and shortstop trade options, and the bullpen isn’t as robust as in previous years, the starting pitching trade market is very expansive. Tarik Skubal is the best available starter by far and would be awesome for the Braves.

But, Jesus Cano of The Athletic is predicting that the Braves miss out on landing Skubal, but land the next-best-thing in a controllable starting pitcher.

Braves land controllable starting pitcher in trade prediction

“Prediction: A controllable starter is added,” Cano writes. “Starting pitching is a priority for the Atlanta Braves this season, but if the team plans on giving up higher prospect capital, they should get an arm with control.”

Adding a controllable starting pitcher would be a big win for the Braves, as they’d be able to upgrade the rotation for the 2026 MLB season, and also for the next year or two as well.

While missing out on Skubal, the back-to-back Cy Young winner, would sting, the Braves could wind up adding a very good pitcher who could help for more than just this season.

Cano presented three potential trade options in San Diego Padres‘ Michael King, Los Angeles Angels‘ Reid Detmers, and Kansas City Royals‘ Michael Wacha.

MORE: Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him

King’s control is a little more of an unknown due to player options in 2027 and 2028, but Detmers and Wacha are under control through the 2028 season.

Fellow Angels starter Jose Soriano would also work for the Braves, as he’s under club control through 2028 as well. Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins is under control through 2027, and Royals’ Seth Lugo is under control through 2028

All of those aforementioned starters might make more sense for the Braves at this year’s deadline if they’re forced to give up significant assets to improve their rotation.

A controllable starter is a much better investment than most rentals, even one as good as Skubal. It’d sting to see Skubal join a contender, but if the Braves can add a controllable starter like Detmers, Wacha, King, Soriano, Lugo, or Alcantara, it’d be a big win.

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