The Atlanta Braves aren’t used to being the underdogs in the National League East. But in 2024, that’s exactly what they are.
At 51-40, the Braves find themselves 8.5 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies, who have also knocked Atlanta out in each of the past two postseasons. Though the Braves are firmly in control of their postseason destiny, they have many more question marks than in years past.
This season, the Braves have one of the most effective starting rotations in baseball, which has kept them afloat despite injuries and offensive swoons. However, the back end of the rotation is somewhat murky, which the Braves can address at the all-important trade deadline.
And if what one insider says is any indication, the Braves are already looking to act on the trade front.
In his trade deadline assessment of all 30 teams heading into the All-Star break, Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed the Braves as one of the most likely destinations for breakout star Erick Fedde of the Chicago White Sox.
“It appears veteran starter Erick Fedde is the White Sox player most likely to be traded, with the Cardinals, Orioles and Braves as the most likely landing spots,” Bowden said.
Fedde, 31, is having a sensational year. After tossing five scoreless innings in the White Sox’s win on Wednesday, Fedde has a 2.99 ERA, 111.1 innings pitched, and 99 strikeouts. He’s also compiled a 7-3 record, no small feat when pitching for a team that’s currently 27-68.
After spending 2023 pitching in Korea, Fedde is something of a newfound sensation. He spent parts of six seasons in MLB before going overseas and compiled a brutal 5.41 ERA. He did away with his curveball and added a sweeper, making his entire arsenal much more effective.
The Braves would be a much more intimidating rotation with Fedde in tow. Spencer Schwellenbach and Charlie Morton could be long relief options in the postseason, and so could Fedde in a short series.
Competition will be stiff, especially in a year when the sellers hold much of the power at the deadline. But acquiring Fedde just might be the move that puts the Braves over the hump come October.
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