The Braves continue making moves before Monday's MLB trade deadline.
The Atlanta Braves recognize an opportunity in front of them that has not been there in recent years. Last winning the National League East in 2023, the Braves head into Monday’s trade deadline with an eight-game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies, which puts them comfortably atop that division and well on their way to a spot in October. Approaching the deadline accordingly, the Braves have already acquired right-handed hitting outfielder Lane Thomas, and swung another deal on Sunday evening with the San Francisco Giants to acquire right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle (via Robert Murray of Fansided).
In his 10th MLB season, Mahle owns a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts, spanning 94.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 89 batters to 37 walks, surrendering 14 homers and 54 earned runs overall. While these are not impressive numbers, he is just one year removed from a 2025 campaign with the Texas Rangers where he posted a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 66 batters in 86.2 innings pitched, surrendering just 69 hits, five home runs, and walking 29 batters. For his career, Mahle owns a 4.19 ERA in 160 appearances, 159 of which have been starts.
The 31-year-old right-hander was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round in 2013, and made his major league debut in 2017. Atlanta has questionable starting pitching depth, mostly due to injury concerns, and Mahle will immediately shore that up. If he can get back to his 2025 form, the Braves will be even more formidable in a National League that currently looks to have some elite postseason competition, particularly with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers, who of course just made a trade deadline splash of their own to bring in two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
The Braves won the World Series in 2021, and that team was bolstered by some midseason additions as well. Among the moves at that year’s deadline were Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall, and the eventual World Series MVP Jorge Soler. Looking to follow a similar blueprint this year, Atlanta is going all in to bolster its roster ahead of the trade deadline, looking for a strong finish to the regular season and a deep run into October.
There is also reason to believe the Braves may not be done. As the Dodgers only get better, the rest of the NL may need to get even more aggressive to keep pace.
