A new report suggests the Atlanta Braves are actively pursuing one of two All-Star-caliber pitchers rumored to be available for trade, with division rivals, the New York Mets, also vying for their services.
After a challenging season, the Braves took a step back in 2024. Injuries to key players like Ronald Acuna and Spencer Strider early in the year derailed their hopes of another 100-win season and deep playoff run. Despite these setbacks, the Braves managed to extend their playoff streak to seven consecutive years.
Fans had hoped the Braves would make some impactful moves to strengthen the roster, especially following the departures of All-Star Max Fried and veteran Charlie Morton in free agency. However, the offseason has been surprisingly quiet, until last week, when they made a notable addition by signing 11-year veteran Jurickson Profar after a strong 2024 campaign.
Now, it seems the Braves may not be finished making major moves. They are reportedly targeting a pair of talented pitchers, potentially capitalizing on the opportunity to acquire them from a playoff team that is looking to reduce payroll.
The San Diego Padres, considered a mid-market team, are said to be looking to slash their payroll after several years of heavy spending, which could make pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King available. According to MLB insider Pat Ragazzo, the Braves are among the teams eyeing both pitchers, with the Mets also in the mix.
Cease, who was a Cy Young contender in previous seasons, had a solid 2024, finishing with a 14-11 record, a 3.47 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts over 189.1 innings. King, who thrived in a return to a starting role, posted a 13-9 record, 2.95 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts in 173.2 innings. Both pitchers are entering the final year of their contracts, with Cease’s asking price expected to be higher than King’s, who could come at a more reasonable cost after his breakout season.
The Braves are now positioning themselves to potentially make a move and bolster their pitching staff, setting up a fierce competition with the Mets for these valuable arms.
