Braves predicted to trade for $75M 3x All-Star, Cy Young finalist after Spencer Strider injury

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Braves predicted to trade for $75M 3x All-Star, Cy Young finalist after Spencer Strider injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves still lead Major League Baseball with 46 wins despite going 1-4 on their recent road trip, their worst stretch of the season so far. Even with those struggles, Atlanta remains firmly in the World Series conversation.

The Braves appear to be just a few pieces away from strengthening their championship aspirations, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that the club plans to be active at the trade deadline.

“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I'm not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we're playing the way we are right now, we're going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.

Atlanta's need to add pitching at the trade deadline became even more urgent after Spencer Strider suffered another injury. At this point, a return this season appears increasingly unlikely.

“The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing elbow. Right-hander Anthony Molina was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move. The placement comes a day after Strider was removed during the fourth inning of Friday’s 7-5 loss to the Mets,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.

With Strider sidelined, the Braves could be forced to pursue another starting pitcher before the trade deadline. One potential target is veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.

“The Braves have been hit hard by pitching injuries this year, yet they still have the best record in Major League Baseball. However, Atlanta is relatively close to Gray's offseason home in Nashville, so that could be a good place for him. He would join a rotation that already features Chris Sale. The Braves' rotation has been hit especially hard, so Gray could give them some much needed innings coverage as they look to secure a postseason berth,” SI’s Curt Bishop.

Another significant elbow injury is an unfortunate development for Strider and further highlights Atlanta's need for rotation help. Gray has enjoyed a successful career and could provide the stability the Braves need as they push toward the postseason.

Gray is currently playing under a $75 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, meaning Atlanta could potentially keep him for two seasons if both sides agree. A former Cy Young runner-up, Gray would bring proven talent, veteran leadership, and valuable postseason experience to a Braves clubhouse with championship aspirations.

More MLB news:

• Phillies predicted to trade for Cubs' $85M Silver Slugger finalist to replace injured Adolis Garcia​

• Mets predicted to part ways with $22M injury-prone World Series champion at trade deadline​

• Braves reporter sounds alarm on worst-case scenario for Spencer Strider's elbow injury​

• Dodgers' Mookie Betts breaks silence on error that cost Yoshinobu Yamamoto perfect game bid​

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