TheAtlanta Braves were involvedin the Tarik Skubal discussion ahead of last month's deadline, but it appears the Detroit Tigers had fallen in love with a specific prospect. The Los Angeles Dodgers got the deal done and added an arm that would've given the Braves the best first two rotation options in the National League. Still, there is no way around the fact that Los Angeles paid for a rental who has every reason to hit the market no matter how the 2026 season ends for the Dodgers.
Atlanta's chase of Skubal might not be done just yet, as the starter is getting ready to hit free agency. The Braves have an obvious path to freeing up contract space with Reynaldo Lopez, Sean Murphy, Mike Yastrzemski, and Jurickson Profar headlining pieces that could be moved to free up more collective salary to add one star in the offseason.
No matter how October goes for Atlanta, their chase of Skubal shouldn't be over just yet. While the franchise has a handful of exciting prospects, they remain far from proven. Add in the serious injury situations for Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach, and who will be able to compete for a rotation spot next season remains a bit of a mystery.
Chris Sale won't be able to defeat Father Time forever, leaving a clear need for the Braves to add to the top of the rotation. Spencer Strider has inarguably regressed and left little reason to believe he is going to turn the corner, appearing poised to miss the rest of the 2026 season, putting the starter three years removed from being a consistent option.
Braves Chase of Tarik Skubal Might not be Over Just Yet Ahead of 2027 Free Agency
The one caution here is pointing out Atlanta's front office has rarely paid top-dollar for pieces, opting to attempt to lock up key players early in their tenures. Still, if there was ever a reason to make an exception, it is for Skubal. The former Tiger is only 29 and should still have a handful of great seasons ahead, justifying a top-dollar contract and giving Atlanta a chance next season to have the league's best rotation if they can manage to find a path to health.
For Skubal, you're joining a clear contender and will clearly be the guy at the top of the rotation as Sale looks to take a little less of a load as the southpaw ages. It makes sense for both sides and gives the Braves a chance to correct a deadline miss, as Atlanta was making a push to add the needed arm to the rotation.
While fan attention is understandably on the upcoming October run and key series against division rivals in the season's final month, there should at least be a bit of awareness that hopes of adding Skubal might not be dead just yet. The pitcher simply makes far too much sense and perfectly fits Atlanta's timeline and current roster, opening a wider window of contention.
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