There’s no sugarcoating it anymore: the Atlanta Braves need to bring in another arm after the news that Spencer Schwellenbach will start the season on the injured list, and fellow starter Hurston Waldrep may also be following suit, both dealing with elbow issues.
While upper management is clearly unwilling to bring in a veteran starter via free agency (did not pursue Chris Bassitt, and reports show Atlanta isn’t engaged in Lucas Giolito’s market), the trade market is an outlet for the Braves to bring in a durable arm. One potential option that might be available is Pittsburgh Pirates‘ starter, Mitch Keller.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Should Target 3.82 ERA Starter in MLB Free Agency
Braves Trade Pitch Lands Mitch Keller
In this recent trade idea, the Atlanta Braves would acquire Pirates’ starter Mitch Keller, who is currently in the middle of a five-year, $77 million contract.
Now, the Braves could go one of two ways in terms of what they give up to acquire Keller.
They could offer younger talent like Nacho Alvarez Jr or Alex Lodise, which would help the Pirates with their continued need for young hitters that can develop with their team, or the Braves could offload from catcher Sean Murphy, who might be a tradeable asset for Atlanta when healthy.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images Mitch Keller could be a target for the Atlanta Braves.
However, Mitch Keller is the exact type of arm the Braves need in their rotation.
Keller has made 29+ starts in four straight seasons and posts a steady ERA in the low-4.00s. He was named to the All-Star team in 2023. In 2025, Keller posted a 4.19 ERA over 176.1 innings.
Considering the Braves are likely going to have to run out names like Bryce Elder and Marin Perez at some point, it would not hurt to explore what a trade for Mitch Keller would look like.
More MLB on Heavy: Report: Braves Get New Update on Hurston Waldrep Elbow Injury
Exploring the Braves’ Internal Starter Options
With the Braves possibly being without Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, that’s going to force other members of Atlanta’s rotation to step up.
Aside from Chris Sale, who is the team’s clear ace, players like Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes are all going to be relied on more heavily. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Lopez and Holmes have dealt with recent arm injuries.
If Lopez, Holmes, or Strider gets hurt, that’s where the Braves’ depth wears very thin. If the Braves don’t make a trade or any addition of another starter, they will once again be subjecting themselves to the potential of being in a bad situation with their rotation once the months of July and August roll around.
There’s been nothing indicating that the Braves are close, or even looking to make a trade, but everyone who follows and covers the team would likely agree there is a strong need there.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Get Bad News Regarding Lucas Giolito Chances in Recent Report
Braves Trade Idea Lands Pirates’ $77 Million All-Star to Stabilize Rotation