The Braves have been relatively quiet leading up to the trade deadline, adding a couple of minor pieces. However, it looks like Alex Anthopoulos might still have at least one more trick up his sleeve prior to Tuesday night. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Braves are attempting to add a starting pitcher and have even reached out to the Mets regarding Justin Verlander.
The Braves are working to add a starting pitcher, with less than 48 hours before the deadline.
They’ve checked with the Mets regarding Justin Verlander but are not currently engaged in negotiations on JV. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2023
With so few sellers, Justin Verlander is one of the only marquee names remaining on the trade block that could really move the needle.
But as Morosi notes, the Braves aren’t currently engaged with the Mets on the three-time Cy Young award winner. I’m not sure the Mets will even deal him before the trade deadline. He’s been much better of late and is under contract for 2024 as well for over $43 million. Every competing team should have some degree of interest, but it would be hard for Steve Cohen to justify trading him to a division rival, especially since he would not only help the Braves this year.
Verlander might be a pipe dream for the Braves, but this report does give us more of an idea of what Anthopoulos is attempting to accomplish ahead of the trade deadline. He wants to add another starting pitcher if possible, and it’s evident that he has the financial resources to do so. We’ll see if anything comes to fruition over the next couple of days.
—
Photo: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.