The Atlanta Braves have reason to rethink their sense of trade deadline urgency after the past two weeks of seeing a declining performance. While there have been signs that things are turning in the right direction, there is still every reason to approach the upcoming trade deadline with a newfound sense of urgency. Atlanta would be a prime landing spot for a number of stars. Players that would cement the franchise as clear World Series favorites and shore up areas of weakness.
It is important to note that the expectation isn't that all of the three players mentioned could be added. Rather, a realistic expectation would be one splashy addition and a series of less splashy moves to establish needed depth. With this in mind, let's look at a trio of stars the Braves should consider chasing, starting with an outfielder who has put up incredible production.
1. Yordan Alvarez
It was the 2021 season when Alvarez found himself on the wrong side of a World Series that would end with Atlanta hoisting the trophy for the first time since the 1995 season. Alvarez is clearly a prized target at the upcoming deadline, putting together an elite first half of the 2026 season. Dropping Alvarez into the current Braves lineup instantly pushes the team into the same conversation as the Los Angeles Dodgers and would give you the potential to be the league's most lethal offensive unit.
For Alvarez, it seems likely the veteran would welcome a trade to Atlanta. The Astros are well under .500 and don't appear anything close to a viable contender. It makes sense to cash in on your best veteran hitter and attempt to build for the future while handing Alvarez a chance to win at an elite level.
2. Tarik Skubal
Forget what the Tigers have said about their willingness to trade the star pitcher. Detroit doesn't appear to be a postseason contender, sitting at the bottom of the American League Central. What reason does Skubal have to re-sign with a team that offers such a limited supporting cast? Add in Atlanta's ability to make an offer that is difficult to refuse, and the two sides should be actively talking in a deal that changes your postseason ceiling.
Chris Sale and Skubal taking the mound in the first two games in any postseason series changes your odds greatly. Atlanta would have a clear argument as having the best 1-2 rotation punch in the league. It is a duo that would fuel a World Series run and solidify the top of a rotation that has stumbled in recent days.
3. CJ Abrams
Trading with a division rival might not be an easy path, but it is one the Braves should at least lightly explore. Abrams is the best shortstop on the market and would allow Atlanta to utilize Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo in more fitting platoon roles. Both players have outfield experience and manager Walt Weiss can ride with the hot hand while having a flexible trio of players to lean on throughout the end of the 2026 season.
For Abrams, it is an undeniable upgrade and a chance to solidify a position the Braves badly need answers for after Ha-Seong Kim's failures. It makes sense for both sides and is at least worth considering over the next weeks of the 2026 season.
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