Overview

• After winning seven of their last nine games, the Braves still sit at 34-40, 11 games back in the NL East and six games behind the final wild-card berth.
• General manager Alex Anthopoulos built his reputation on audacious deadline deals, notably in 2021 when midseason acquisitions fueled Atlanta’s World Series run.
• Pending free agent Marcell Ozuna has emerged as the top trade candidate due to his .379 on-base percentage and previous power production.
• Injury setbacks, highlighted by ace Chris Sale’s fractured rib cage, and a .541 OPS from left field have spurred discussions on roster upgrades.
• Atlanta could pursue another buyer’s approach by targeting controllable outfielders or shift to selling veteran assets to stockpile prospects.