Braves predicted to trade JR Ritchie, No. 1 prospect for $32M Cy Young winner to boost rotation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves became the first team to reach 40 wins this season after defeating the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night. Atlanta has accomplished that despite dealing with injuries throughout the year and a starting rotation that still isn’t at full strength.
Before the season, pitchers like Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach underwent elbow surgery. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos acknowledged before the season that Atlanta needed to add another starter.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s a trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.
With two months of the season now in the books, it is becoming clearer which players could be available at the trade deadline. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes Atlanta could land Tarik Skubal by dealing away its top prospects.