The Atlanta Braves are playing like the best team in MLB in March, and Los Bravos are currently taking on the Detroit Tigers in a three-game set. Given the recent success, Atlanta is going to start being mentioned in trade talks come the summer.
With MLB insider Jon Morosi indicating on Wednesday that trade activities may begin early this year, the speculation game is on. A recent MLB mock trade idea by SI.com’s Ryan Shea features the Braves landing Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer in exchange for prospects Owen Murphy and Luis Guanipa. Is this a fair deal? And would the Braves consider making it?
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Braves Trade Prediction Lands George Springer
GettyTORONTO, ON – APRIL 11: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays fouls the ball off his foot in the third inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre on April 11, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Springer left the game with a left big toe fracture. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
It may be a bit of a far-fetched idea, but George Springer is in the last year of a six-year, $150 million contract with the Blue Jays and is an impending free agent.
Springer was actually activated off the injured list today, but is not in the Toronto lineup. Owen Murphy is a highly ranked Braves prospect and was recently promoted to Triple-A. The idea behind this mock trade may be that the Blue Jays need pitching help, but George Springer may be too valuable to trade away.
Shea wrote about why the Braves may make this trade:
“The Atlanta Braves are 21–9 and have the best record in baseball, so their mindset shifts to maximizing a championship run rather than protecting future assets. They target George Springer because, despite his early 2026 struggles, he brings veteran leadership, playoff experience, and proven October production, which they believe can help push them over the top in a title race.”
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Who Says ‘No’ To Mock Trade?
Sorry, Braves fans, this trade idea would likely be denied by the Blue Jays. For all the reasons that Shea mentions, the Braves may want to trade for Springer are the same reasons Toronto will likely hold onto him.
Springer is hitting .185 this season with two home runs and four doubles in 14 games. There is an expectation that the Braves will be more aggressive at MLB’s trade deadline this summer, so expect Atlanta to be steadily linked to several different players.
Outfield could also be somewhat of a need for the Braves, or George Springer could mix in at designated hitter.
The fact that Springer is headed towards free agency likely drives this idea, but the four-time All-Star may also want to remain in Toronto. Springer has had a very successful MLB career and would be a welcome addition in Atlanta.
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