It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves have been the best team in baseball through the first couple of months of the 2026 season. With a 34–16 record, the Braves not only own the best record in baseball, but they are also off to the best start in franchise history. With that said, many fans are beginning to wonder whether this team has peaked too early, and given the number of injuries Atlanta has battled over the past few seasons, the Braves must capitalize on their momentum while they have it.
With a general manager in Alex Anthopoulos who has consistently shown the ability to turn small moves into major contributors at the trade deadline, Atlanta once again finds itself in position to make meaningful additions. The 2026 Braves find themselves with depth, flexibility, and solid farm system, however there is always room for improvement. The question is not whether they will make a move, but who they decide to target. Before looking at potential trade targets, let’s first take a look at the current injury situation surrounding the roster.
Injury Report
Ronald Acuña Jr. has rejoined the lineup after a brief stint on the injured list with a tweaked hamstring. Given Acuña’s injury history, the Braves were cautious with his recovery process and made sure he returned fully healthy. Atlanta initially eased him back into action in a designated hitter role, but he has since returned to right field and at the top of the lineup.
Eli White is another name who has recently returned to action after suffering a concussion following a full-speed collision with the outfield wall against the Dodgers on May 10. White briefly stayed in the game before symptoms worsened, but he is back this week. His speed, defense, and versatility continue to make him an underrated piece of Atlanta’s roster.
Sean Murphy suffered a broken finger after being hit by a swing while behind the plate just eight days after returning from offseason hip surgery. The Braves expect him to miss at least eight weeks, likely keeping him out until after the All-Star break.
Drake Baldwin recently suffered a Grade 1 oblique strain. While that diagnosis represents the best-case scenario for an oblique injury, the Braves still have not provided a full timeline for his return. Before the injury, Baldwin had emerged as one of the breakout players in baseball and has been quietly building an early MVP case.
AJ Smith-Shawver remains on track to return next month. After showing flashes of becoming a long-term rotation piece last season, Atlanta hopes he can provide another boost heading into the second half.
Hurston Waldrep appears ahead of schedule in his recovery after offseason elbow surgery to remove loose bone fragments. Waldrep has already resumed bullpen sessions, and the expectation is that he could return by early June.
Spencer Schwellenbach, who underwent a similar procedure, is also progressing faster than expected. While he has not yet advanced to bullpen work, he has resumed throwing and could potentially return before the All-Star break. Many inside the organization still believe Schwellenbach has future ace-level potential.
Who the Braves Should Target
With a later-than-usual August 3 trade deadline, Atlanta is in an ideal position to evaluate the roster before making major moves. Several key contributors are expected back over the next two months, meaning the Braves are more likely to target depth and complementary pieces rather than force a blockbuster trade. Still, there are clear areas where Atlanta could improve.
Catcher
The most immediate need is catcher. With both Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin sidelined, Atlanta currently finds itself relying heavily on Sandy León and Chadwick Tromp. While both veterans can manage games behind the plate, there is a noticeable drop-off offensively without Murphy or Baldwin in the lineup.
One name that immediately stands out is former Brave Travis d’Arnaud. d’Arnaud was an important part of Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run and remains a respected veteran presence. He is still capable offensively, particularly in clutch situations, and his familiarity with the organization would make the transition seamless. On a struggling Angels team likely looking toward the future, d’Arnaud could become a realistic short-term target.
Another name to monitor is Ryan Jeffers from Minnesota. Jeffers provides more power upside and does a solid job getting on base. While he may not carry the same emotional connection with Braves fans that d’Arnaud does, he represents a younger and potentially more impactful option. As a player nearing the end of his current deal, Jeffers could be exactly the type of rental Atlanta targets.
Outfield
Although Mike Yastrzemski has recently started heating up and Eli White provides strong defense and speed, the Braves could still benefit from adding another outfield bat. Jurickson Profar was expected to fill that role entering the season, but following his suspension, Atlanta has continued searching for another consistent contributor alongside Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II.
The dream target floated by fans on social media is Mike Trout, but realistically, that scenario feels unlikely. Trout will turn 35 this season, carries a massive contract, and would require Atlanta to part with significant prospect capital. While the idea is exciting, it simply may not fit the Braves’ long-term approach. Instead, there are a few more realistic names worth monitoring.
The first is Dominic Canzone from Seattle. Canzone offers a left-handed bat with some power potential and could provide solid depth as either a starter or strong bench option. While his numbers may not jump off the page, he fits the profile of a player Atlanta has successfully revived in the past.
Another interesting possibility is Jarren Duran from Boston. Duran’s 2026 season has been disappointing statistically, but his athleticism, speed, and defensive ability remain intriguing. Atlanta has a strong history of buying low on struggling players and helping them rediscover their form. Similar to Eddie Rosario’s resurgence during the 2021 championship run, Duran could benefit greatly from a change of scenery.
The final outfield name worth discussing is Jorge Soler. Braves fans will forever remember Soler’s legendary World Series home run in Houston, but more recently, many remember his benches-clearing altercation earlier this season after being hit by a pitch from Reynaldo López. Because of the tension surrounding that situation, a reunion seems unlikely, though stranger things have happened at the deadline.
While a trade for a guy like Trout or Atlanta native Byron Buxton would certainly make headlines, all things considered, if Atlanta targets an outfielder, expect the focus to be on a player like Duran or Canzone rather than a major superstar.
Pitching
Even with several starters expected to return, pitching depth is always valuable entering the second half of the season. Freddy Peralta of the Mets stands out as one of the more intriguing possibilities. The two-time All-Star has continued producing at a high level and would immediately strengthen Atlanta’s rotation. However, the asking price would likely be extremely high, especially for a Braves team that prefers maintaining long-term flexibility.
Another name to watch is Robbie Ray. Ray has been inconsistent but still possesses swing-and-miss stuff from the left side. Atlanta has often targeted pitchers looking for bounce-back opportunities, and Ray fits that profile perfectly. While he may not be an ace at this stage of his career, he could provide quality innings and veteran stability.
Kyle Freeland is another possible buy-low option. Pitching at Coors Field has historically inflated numbers for even quality pitchers, and Atlanta may believe Freeland could improve dramatically outside of Colorado. If the Braves instead look to strengthen the bullpen, Antonio Senzatela is another fascinating option from the Rockies. After transitioning from the rotation, Senzatela is putting together the best season of his career and could become a valuable late-inning arm.
Finally, there is Kevin Gausman. Gausman remains one of the most talented pitchers potentially available, though acquiring him would likely require a significant package. If Atlanta decides this season represents its best opportunity to make a serious championship push, Gausman is the type of move that could elevate the rotation from excellent to elite.
Final Thoughts
Alex Anthopoulos has built a reputation on finding value at the trade deadline without completely sacrificing the future. That philosophy has helped Atlanta remain competitive for years, and 2026 should be no different. While it would be nice to avoid trading certain assets, Atlanta does the ninth pick in this year’s draft, multiple infielders with value, and top prospects such as Cam Caminiti, JR Ritchie, Tate Southisene, and Didier Fuentes potentially available in trade discussions for the right talent. Meaning the Braves have the resources to make a meaningful move if they choose to.
The biggest immediate need remains at catcher, especially while Murphy and Baldwin recover. However, once Atlanta returns closer to full strength, the front office could become less aggressive in pursuing upgrades. While we could still see the Braves target another arm, another bat, or simply additional depth, the Braves understand the opportunity in front of them. This roster already looks capable of making a deep postseason run. The question is whether Atlanta believes now is the time to go all in.
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