The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Atlanta Braves are officially in “go get some arms” mode.
With Spencer Strider out and Reynaldo Lopez also dealing with injury issues, the Braves’ rotation suddenly looks thinner than fans would like in a playoff push. So, the front office is checking out some big-name options, and yep, the rumor mill is churning.
Atlanta Braves Eye Sandy Alcantara And Andrew Heaney
One of the bigger names floating around is Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner hasn’t looked like himself this year, rocking an ugly 8.31 ERA while coming back from Tommy John surgery.
But let’s be real, if he finds his groove again, he is the kind of pitcher who could anchor your rotation for years. He is under contract through 2026, so this wouldn’t just be a short-term fix.
Sandy Alcántara throwing a Whiffle Ball.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 28, 2025
Over 2 FEET of Horizontal Break. pic.twitter.com/aTdCpxKvIG
However, there’s another layer, too. Alcantara is a Marlin, and the Braves know just how complicated in-division trades can get. That “in-division tax” would likely force Atlanta to part with more top-end prospects than they would like. So while Alcantara’s ceiling is sky-high, the road to land him isn’t exactly smooth.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
Then there’s Andrew Heaney, now with the Pirates. He has been lights-out to start the year, with a ridiculous 2.50 ERA and a WHIP under 0.90. A lefty with that kind of command? That’s playoff gold. The Braves are reportedly very interested, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. He is pitching like an All-Star, and the price might be right.
Pablo Lopez from the Twins is also on the radar. He is not flashy, but he has been steady and reliable, which is exactly what Atlanta could use right now. Under contract through 2027, Lopez would give the Braves a dependable arm deep into the future.
Meanwhile, Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels and Chris Bassitt of the Toronto Blue Jays are other names that have reportedly emerged in Braves circles.
Also Read: Juan Soto Takes A Shot At The Marlins While Trying To Lure Sandy Alcantara
