The Atlanta Braves were pointed to over the last week as one of the teams chasing right-handed starter Sonny Gray. It makes a great deal of sense that Atlanta is chasing the starter when you consider the current question marks in the team's rotation. Gray has a 2.61 ERA through his first 89.2 innings pitched while striking out 82 hitters. Putting Gray in the middle of Atlanta's rotation would go a long way in answering the current concerns around how the team will line things up in a potential postseason series.
With that said, Gray isn't the only Boston Red Sox player the franchise should be targeting as the trade deadline nears. First baseman Willson Contreras has a history of playing catcher and would be the perfect right-handed option at DH, giving the team a complete offense and bolstering the middle of the lineup.
The only potential roadblock here is whether or not the Red Sox would be willing to deal both players for a reasonable price. If this is possible, there is zero question that the Braves should jump at the chance to make one blockbuster deal and solve both of the team's biggest current issues.
Contreras would sit in the middle of the order as a consistent power source and a player who has noted fire and wants to win. It would fit perfectly with what the Braves have built and give the franchise an option at both catcher and DH, giving the lineup a needed boost after recent struggles.
Braves Shouldn't Hesitate to Attempt to Land Blockbuster Deal with Boston Red Sox
Blockbusters of this level rarely happen and are even rarer when you look back at Atlanta's history. However, there is no argument against the deal, with both pieces having a chance to stick around and contribute at a high level for years to come. The one potential roadblock is Sean Murphy, who would need to be a part of the deal somehow or be dealt to another team.
No question, adding Contreras and Gray would push the Braves back into the conversation as World Series favorites. Recent struggles have pushed Atlanta further back in the postseason conversation, and this is understandable with the clear weakness shown throughout June.
Boston has a chance to help Atlanta in a way that few deadline trades accomplish if both veteran pieces were dealt. No question, the Red Sox make the most sense as a potential trade partner and are a team that Atlanta should be in constant communication with in the days leading up to the 2026 trade deadline.
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