Braves’ updated trade targets near 2023 MLB deadline | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumours

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The Atlanta Braves have been the best team in the National League through the first three months of the season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be busy at the trade deadline this year.

With Max Fried and Kyle Wright both missing significant time, the starting rotation is stretched thin and bolstered by Bryce Elder’s offseason, so adding more depth to the staff should be a priority.

The bullpen could use another proven late-inning arm with 13 blown saves in 40 chances, and there will be a variety of rental options and controlled arms to consider.

Ahead, we’ve highlighted three players to keep an eye on as late-season targets for the NL East leaders.

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The most obvious trade target for the Braves is Chicago White Sox loanee starter Lucas Giolito, who could help fill the void left by Max Fried and Kyle Wright without costing an arm and a leg.

The 28-year-old has a 3.41 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 92.1 innings, rebounding nicely from a torrid 2022 season. And while the White Sox haven’t decided to go into full fire sale mode, he’s still an obvious trade candidate.

The Cubs can put together an attractive package of high-ceiling prospects, though their farm system is one of the thinnest in baseball, and that could keep them in the running for what could be the most sought-after arm on the market.

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Does Zack Greinke want to end his career where he started in Kansas City, or does he want one more run at a World Series title?

The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer had a strong start last season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but before that he had a 4.81 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in his first 15 starts and a 4.63 FIP in 81.1 innings. On the year.

He has plenty of big game experience, including a 4.14 ERA in 113 career postseason innings, a 1.80 ERA in 15 innings over three World Series starts with the Houston Astros.

Playing on a one-year, $8.5 million deal, Greinke seems like an obvious rental candidate if he’s open to moving to a contender.

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Brad Hand has 131 career saves for the three-time All-Star and is playing for his sixth team in four years after signing a $2 million contract with the Colorado Rockies.

The 33-year-old has a 3.62 ERA and 11.2 K/9 in 31 games this season, and has been limited to a .167 average and .538 OPS in 50 plate appearances as a left-handed hitter.

The $7 million club option for next year includes a $500,000 buyout, which could be more than the rent, and the Rockies are currently living in the NL West cellar, so they should be motivated to move.

His signature slider produced a 33.6 percent whiff rate and included 26 of his 34 strikeouts, and his putaway game could be huge in October.

All stats by Baseball Reference and accurate as of Tuesday’s games.