The Atlanta Braves find themselves in a familiar spot, eyeing reinforcements for their starting rotation as the trade deadline looms. Currently anchored by three stars, a struggling veteran, and a rotating cast in the fifth slot, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is keenly aware of the team’s need for stability and depth on the mound.
Interestingly, the solution to Atlanta’s pitching puzzle might come from an unexpected quarter: the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite being within striking distance of playoff contention, rumors swirl that the Rays could be open to trading Zach Eflin, one of their top starters.
In a poll conducted by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, over 35 MLB executives indicated Eflin as one of the top trade targets this deadline season. Bowden notes that if the Rays fail to improve significantly in July, trading Eflin could align with their strategy of leveraging assets with 1.5 years of team control remaining.
Eflin, who led the American League with 16 wins in 2023, has posted a 3-5 record and a 4.20 ERA this season, despite a stint on the IL for lower back inflammation. His recent seven-inning outing signals readiness for a heavier workload, making him an attractive target for teams seeking durability and consistency.
For the Braves, Eflin represents a potentially pivotal acquisition. Despite his current numbers, metrics like his 3.78 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) indicate room for improvement, particularly in controlling walks (0.7 per nine innings) and maintaining an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.5).
Atlanta’s rotation, led by Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Max Fried, has shown promise but also concerns about durability and workload management. Sale and López have struggled with injury and innings thresholds, while Fried aims to secure his health for upcoming free agency.
As the trade deadline approaches, Eflin’s performance over the next few weeks could dictate his fate with the Rays and his potential impact on the Braves’ postseason aspirations. Should Eflin excel amidst a Rays struggle, he could be on the move to bolster Atlanta’s pitching staff, reshaping the landscape of both teams’ playoff ambitions.
