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Braves' top pitching prospect may be trade chip in blockbuster Tarik Skubal deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves are one of the contenders who could be in the mix for back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
Of course, the return package to acquire Skubal should be substantial.
What can the Braves offer the Detroit Tigers? Well, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has an idea: sending one of Atlanta's top two prospects the other way.
"JR Ritchie logged just 77.1 innings during his first three professional seasons while navigating Tommy John surgery, but he showed why he was the No. 35 pick in the 2022 draft with a healthy and productive 2025 campaign," Reuter wrote.
Ritchie is back in Triple-A but made eight appearances, including seven starts, with the Braves earlier this season.
The right-hander posted a 4.87 ERA in 40.2 innings and struck out 37 while walking 25.
"He could be a long-term piece of the pitching puzzle in Atlanta, but he could also be the chip they push to the middle in an all-in deal for someone like Tarik Skubal to chase a World Series title in 2026," Reuter added.
There will be plenty of competition for Skubal, who is playing on an expiring contract.
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Should the Braves part with Ritchie, the organization's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, if it means acquiring an ace like Skubal?
They may be hesitant, but you have to feel that the overwhelming answer should be yes.
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