The Braves are one of several teams that are checking in on Boston's Sonny Gray.
The Atlanta Braves are one of several contending teams in need of rotation help. They have made their desires to acquire a starting pitcher at the upcoming trade deadline known, as they have shown recent interest in a potential trade target.
Atlanta is one of several teams expressing interest in acquiring starter Sonny Gray from the Boston Red Sox, per Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Gray is enjoying a dominant season with a struggling Red Sox team, posting a 10-1 record with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts. Now in his 14th season, the right-hander could provide the Braves with a reliable arm atop their rotation.
The 36-year-old does hold a no-trade clause in his contract, but can be subject to waive it. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, roughly a four-hour drive from Atlanta, and would presumably enjoy playing close to home in the back end of his career.
Despite still managing to own one of the best records in the league, the Braves’ success has been very impressive considering how depleted their rotation has been. With nearly a full rotation on the injured list, the Braves continue to lead their division, but bolstering the rotation could further that margin.
Inconsistencies have also plagued their rotation. Bryce Elder currently owns an 8.70 ERA over his last six starts, Hurston Waldrep has allowed 10 runs in his 10 ⅔ innings since returning from injury, and Reynaldo López is just recently stretching back out to be a starter once again.
Spencer Schwellenbach has yet to pitch this year after undergoing surgery in February. Spencer Strider has been sidelined with elbow inflammation for a month, and will sit out for at least another month going forward.
It is no secret that the Braves could use another starter to strengthen their rotation. But as convincing as adding Gray may sound, the Braves will have to wait and see if Boston even makes him available.
The Red Sox have been trending downwards for the majority of the year, having sat as low as 14 games under .500 on June 24. But since then, they have flipped the script over the past couple of weeks. Boston have won 11 of their last 13 games, sitting just three games back of the third Wild Card spot in the American League.
However, Gray still fits the bill of an ideal trade candidate that could bring back solid prospect capital. He is in the final year of his contract, and a new team would owe him slightly more than $6 million after the deadline.
While Boston may want to test the waters with their contending abilities in July, should things go back south for them once again, the Braves will undoubtedly be atop the frontrunners for Gray’s duties in the rotation.
