2. Bring an Ace to Atlanta in Madison Bumgarner
The Braves have a deep rotation with a pipeline of promising young starters. But they are still missing that top of the rotation ace. Bumgarner is that ace.
If the Braves were able to pull off a trade for the Giants pitcher, the starting rotation would be instantly better. That would give cushion to Folty and Newcomb. The only problem is the cost Bumgarner would cost.
A potential trade for a player of his caliber would cost the Braves multiple high-level prospects. The Giants may even want a major league level player, like Dansby Swanson or Sean Newcomb. Whatever the asking price would be, it would be a lot.
There is no way to get around that, but if the Braves want to make a big splash while hanging on to their young core, this would be a great move for Atlanta. Now, saying that, I don’t think the Braves would be willing to make this move.
The Braves have not wanted to come off their prospects, and rightly so. Just take a look at Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acunua Jr. Bumgarner is a player who can transform the Braves and lead them to a title in October. If the Braves are going for it this season, this the kind of move that has to be made.