Considering Atlanta's rocky start to the 2025 season, it would be a surprise not to see the front office make a handful of moves. This is assuming the current core is able to recover enough to breathe life back into the 2025 season. If Atlanta continues to shockingly be the worst team in baseball, it is obvious there are no moves to save what was expected to be a postseason-contending group. However, the most likely path remains Atlanta finding a way back into contention and working to improve their depth.
This means the team will have to part ways with at least one or two notable names to reset their current roster. While some carry far more value than others, there is an obvious pitcher Atlanta has already waited a year too long to trade.
1. Bryce Elder - SP
It is clear Atlanta has waited a year too long to attempt to part ways with Elder. The pitcher is not missing many bats at either level to start the season. The struggles that plagued Elder to end the 2023 season have only moved in the wrong direction. Trading Elder isn't about what you can get in return potentially but moving off an aging piece that doesn't factor into your team's plans. The hope is that a fresh start allows Elder to make the adjustments that made him such a great option at the start of the 2023 season.
No matter how it played out, the need for a trade is clear for both sides. Atlanta would be better off with a veteran or young option that offers more upside either way. Elder is the most likely to fall out of favor when Spencer Strider returns.
The biggest issue keeping Elder on the team currently is a complete lack of options. Reynaldo Lopez is lost for an unknown amount of time, and the team moved away from Charlie Morton and Max Fried in free agency. The team's lack of potential rotation additions has predictably come back to haunt them early in the season.