BREAKING: Braves Eye Shocking Trade for Orioles’ Star Pitcher to Save Crumbling Rotation!”

Braves Eye Orioles Starter With 2.60 ERA as Rotation Injuries Mount

The Atlanta Braves are back in the trade rumor mill following the devastating injury to starter AJ Smith-Shawver, who tore his UCL in his throwing elbow during a recent game against the Phillies. With Smith-Shawver likely out for the season, Atlanta is exploring rotation upgrades as it fights to stay in the playoff race. The team sits at 27–31 and trails the final NL Wild Card spot by 5.5 games.

Baltimore Emerges as a Logical Trade Partner

Though it’s still early to count the Orioles out of postseason contention, their 22–36 record puts them on shaky ground in the AL East. If they decide to sell at the deadline, the Braves could be a prime suitor—especially for starting pitching help.

ClutchPoints’ Zachary Howell floated veteran right-hander Zach Eflin as a potential target. Eflin, who has dealt with a lat injury this season, has made just seven starts and carries a 4.46 ERA over 40.1 innings. However, he was excellent in 2023, posting a 2.60 ERA across 55.1 innings and finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting.

Despite a dip in strikeout numbers this year, Eflin remains elite in limiting walks, with a career average of just 1.8 per nine innings. His veteran experience could provide stability at the back end of Atlanta’s rotation, behind top arms Chris Sale and Spencer Strider.

Eflin a Low-Risk, High-Upside Addition

Eflin wouldn’t be expected to carry the rotation—just solidify it. Howell points out that Atlanta doesn’t need him to return to peak form; they just need a dependable starter to fill in amid injuries and inconsistency.

Eflin, 31, is in the final year of a $40 million contract signed with Tampa Bay before being traded to Baltimore. He’ll become a free agent at season’s end, potentially making him a more affordable option for Atlanta.

Could a Top Prospect Be the Key to a Deal?

The Braves might have the assets to make a deal happen. One trade chip could be JR Ritchie, Atlanta’s No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The righty has impressed at Double-A Columbus with a 3.14 ERA and .146 opponent batting average. While his MLB ETA is currently 2027, Baltimore’s rotation needs might accelerate his development.

With veteran arms like Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano aging out of the rotation soon, Atlanta may view Eflin as the perfect short-term patch—if the price is right.