It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves need to add starting pitching before the trade deadline, but which pitcher they ultimately pursue remains unclear. Tarik Skubal is currently one of the most frequently mentioned possibilities, and acquiring him would certainly address the Braves’ needs. However, giving up a significant package for a rental would be somewhat out of character for Alex Anthopoulos. That said, Atlanta has shown a willingness to be aggressive, and there are several intriguing starting pitchers who could fit what the Braves are looking for.
Aside from Skubal, pitchers who could potentially be available include Joe Ryan of the Twins, Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano of the Angels, Michael Wacha of the Royals, and Casey Mize of the Tigers. Each pitcher brings a different set of strengths and weaknesses, and the cost to acquire them could vary significantly depending on how aggressive Anthopoulos is willing to be.
One team that could become an interesting trade partner for Atlanta is the Seattle Mariners. Although Seattle is expected to pursue additions of its own at the deadline in an effort to capitalize on a relatively weak AL West, the Mariners also have enough starting-pitching depth to use their surplus as a trade asset. Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock have both attracted attention as potential trade candidates, but the Braves should have a clear preference between the two.
Both Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock could help Atlanta, but Hancock should be the priority
Castillo and Hancock enter the trade deadline with very different outlooks. Castillo was one of baseball’s more consistently underrated starting pitchers for several years, but his situation has changed considerably. He is approaching his mid-30s, is currently enduring the worst season of his career, and is owed more than $24 million annually through 2027. His contract also includes a $25 million option for 2028 that becomes guaranteed if he reaches 180 innings next season.
There are also some concerning signs in his performance. Castillo’s fastball velocity has dropped by nearly two miles per hour compared with four years ago, while the spin rate on his slider has fallen by at least 100 RPM since 2024. Those trends make taking on his contract a much bigger gamble for a team like Atlanta.
Hancock, meanwhile, presents a much more appealing long-term option. He would come with several affordable years of team control through arbitration, and he is putting together an impressive season at just 27 years old. Even more encouraging is the possibility that his performance could improve further with some adjustments to his pitch mix and usage. His age, contract situation, and underlying stuff make him a much more attractive target.
Naturally, the asking prices for the two pitchers should reflect those significant differences. If Seattle’s primary objective is simply to shed some of Castillo’s salary, there could be a scenario in which Atlanta takes on his contract without surrendering much prospect capital. That could potentially make a deal worthwhile.
However, if the Mariners are demanding a substantial return for either pitcher, the Braves should steer clear of Castillo and instead concentrate their resources on acquiring Hancock. Given his age, affordability, team control, and potential for further development, Hancock appears to be the much better fit for Atlanta’s long-term plans.
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