Trades the Atlanta Braves must consider following AJ Smith-Shawver injury report update
The Atlanta Braves, who have been endeavoring to foster a healthier roster, recently welcomed back All-Star prospects Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider to the lineup. However, the resurrection of these key players comes at a price, as rookie starter AJ Smith-Shawver sustained a torn UCL during his last outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. This injury, which will persist for the remainder of the 2025 season and possibly extend into 2026, has compelled the Braves to contemplate potential reinforcements, with Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin being a possible acquisition via trade.
Smith-Shawver's injury echoes a dismal turn for the Braves, who now grapple with an uphill battle in the National League East. As they strive to overtake the teams above them, the loss of their rookie starter has ramped up Atlanta's urgency to source additional pitching talent.
Zach Eflin, a seasoned starter for the struggling Orioles, presents a promising candidate. While hampered by injury, Eflin boasts a robust track record, having displayed consistent competence in past seasons. The Orioles' predicament in the American League East, coupled with Eflin's impending free agency, could propel the right trade offers, rendering him a major asset for contending clubs.
Aged 31, Eflin could capture the attention of numerous teams during the 2025 trade deadline, provided the Orioles choose to capitalize on their current slump and consider a fire sale. The Braves, looking to complete their rotation, could look to secure Eflin's services if they are ready to foot the bill for his acquisition.
While Eflin may not return to his peak form, the Braves' objectives do not revolve entirely around this factor. Their roster already boasts two ace-tier pitchers in Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, which means that Eflin would merely need to fill one of the remaining rotation spots. Consequently, the Braves' pursuit of Eflin would be contingent on their willingness to meet the asking price.
In light of Smith-Shawver's injury, the Braves are faced with the imperative of expediting their recovery. In order to maintain their title aspirations, Atlanta must take decisive action to compensate for the vacancy left by their rookie starter, and trading for a proven veteran like Eflin could prove instrumental in their quest for a championship.
Rumors of potential trade acquisitions are swirling in the MLB, with the Baltimore Orioles' Zach Eflin being a prime target for the Atlanta Braves. Given Eflin's robust track record and the Braves' urgent need for additional pitching talent following an injury to rookie starter AJ Smith-Shawver, a trade could be imminent. The Braves, with championship aspirations in the National League East, are eager to improve their roster and secure Eflin's services to bolster their rotation.
