The Braves came into the 2026 MLB trade deadline looking for a playoff-caliber starter, and they made that clear. They also came away without the kind of upgrade that would have moved the needle, which left plenty of frustration around Atlanta. But there’s another layer to this deadline for the Braves: a few of the names they chased ended up looking a lot less appealing once the dust settled.
That’s what makes these near-misses worth revisiting. Atlanta tried to line up help on the mound, but some of the options that were discussed or considered could have turned into real problems.
Jacob deGrom was the biggest one. The Braves were apparently very interested in the right-hander, and it sounded like a deal was in place before he invoked his no-trade clause.
At the time, that felt like a tough break. In hindsight, it may have saved Atlanta from a disaster. deGrom exited his most recent start after just two innings because of right triceps fatigue.
Giving up top prospects for a pitcher who is owed $37 million next season would have been a hefty price on its own. Pair that with the injury, and the risk becomes obvious.
Casey Mize was another arm Atlanta had on its radar when it missed out on Tarik Skubal. The right-hander, who is from Braves Country, would have given the team a useful piece beyond this season.
Instead, he landed with the Padres, and his first outing in San Diego was rough. Mize gave up eight runs in 3.1 innings against the Diamondbacks, a start that did not go the way anyone involved hoped.
Then there’s Kevin Gausman. Atlanta had a chance to reunite with him at the deadline, but the Cubs got the deal done.
So far, that move hasn’t paid off much in Chicago. Gausman has posted a 6.17 ERA over his first two starts with the Cubs, including a recent outing against the Nationals in which he allowed six runs over 4.2 innings.
The Braves didn’t land the starter they wanted, but in this case, missing out on these three may have been the best outcome of all.
In Other News...
Former Braves Outfielder Is Already Making Atlantas Deadline Trade Sting
Eli White barely had time to unpack after the Braves sent him to Boston before the deadline, but he is already finding ways to matter for his new club. The former Atlanta outfielder made an impact in a recent comeback win over the San Francisco Giants, driving in a run and later scoring the winning run in the ninth inning, a reminder that he can still influence a game in a hurry when given a chance.
For Atlanta, that kind of early contribution makes the move look a little more painful, especially with White showing he can handle left-handed pitching and add value with his legs and glove. He was never going to be the headline piece of the deal, but players who fill in multiple gaps tend to sting the most when they leave, and White has already given Boston a reason to keep leaning on him. [Read more 🡒]
Braves First Round Pick Is Already Changing The Draft Debate
When the Braves used the 26th overall pick on Carter Beck in the 2026 MLB Draft, the reaction was hardly unanimous, with plenty of early second-guessing about where he fit in the first round. A few months later, Beck has started to change that conversation the old-fashioned way, by hitting. Across Low-A Augusta and High-A Rome, he has put together a strong first stretch in pro ball, flashing the kind of offensive production that can make a front office look smarter in a hurry.
Through 15 games, Beck has posted a .367/.424/.467 line and already has his first professional home run, a quick answer to some of the noise that followed draft night. Scouts have liked the aggressive approach at the plate and the speed he brings on the bases, while also pointing to areas where he can keep growing, including outfield defense and power. For now, though, the early returns have been enough to make the Braves' decision look a lot more interesting than it did in July. [Read more 🡒]
Brewers Will See A Familiar Face In Atlanta For This One
The Braves added a little extra intrigue to their Little League Classic matchup with the Brewers by recalling outfielder Brewer Hicklen as an additional player. For Hicklen, a nine-year minor league veteran who made his big league debut in 2022, the moment carries an obvious personal angle too, since he grew up rooting for Atlanta and said he was grateful for the chance to suit up for his favorite team.
Atlanta could use a lift in any form right now, and Hicklens arrival at least gives the club a fresh body and a fresh story as it tries to steady itself. The setting in Williamsport already brings a different feel to the night, and now the Braves get to see whether a longtime organization follower can turn a dream assignment into something more meaningful in the middle of a difficult stretch. [Read more 🡒]