BREAKING; Braves Beware: This Trade Deadline Rumor Could DESTROY Atlanta’s Championship Hopes!

The Atlanta Braves continue to struggle with consistency, often making progress only to be set back by injuries. Their latest blow came with the loss of A.J. Smith-Shawver, whose promising season was cut short by a torn UCL. He now faces a lengthy recovery, whether through Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure.

With just four healthy starting pitchers remaining—and Spencer Strider still working to regain form—the Braves’ rotation is thin. Top prospect Hurston Waldrep hasn’t yet shown he’s ready in Triple-A, so internal reinforcements are limited. While GM Alex Anthopoulos is expected to explore trade options, acquiring a top-tier arm seems unlikely. What the Braves truly need is depth, not high-profile deals that cost them what little depth they already have.

FanSided’s Eric Cole recently discussed the possibility of trading Bryce Elder, suggesting that if he performs reasonably in Triple-A, Atlanta might consider listening to offers. Since he’s not yet arbitration-eligible, Elder could potentially fetch more value in return than expected.

Still, while it’s a logical argument, trading Elder right now seems unwise. With Smith-Shawver out and no immediate upgrade available, Elder’s value to the team has grown. Though currently in Triple-A, he’s likely the first pitcher called up to fill in.

Elder’s team-friendly contract—he won’t enter arbitration until 2027—further supports keeping him. He may not be an ace, but his affordable control and big-league experience make him an important depth piece. Even if Atlanta makes a deadline move, they remain one injury away from a serious pitching crisis. Elder’s presence gives the Braves a safety net.

Despite an inconsistent 2024 so far, where he’s posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over eight starts, Elder remains a serviceable back-end starter. He induces groundballs at a high rate and generally stays in command of the zone—traits that provide stability to a rotation in flux.

Although his 2023 All-Star appearance might have been more fluke than forecast, Elder has proven he can hold his own. The Braves need to prioritize adding reliable arms, not shipping them out. Until they build up more depth, keeping Elder should be a priority—not a trade chip.