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As another MLB trade deadline approaches, Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has a clear shopping list to address in the coming weeks. At the moment, there are some obvious sellers, but a delayed deadline date probably means Atlanta will be stuck waiting at least another week before any real additions can be made.
Once transactions actually begin, Anthopoulos has a few familiar teams he can negotiate with, and some others who probably do not have what he is looking for. Dealing with opposing GMs that you have an existing track record and experience with can help push deals over the finish line, especially when things get super chaotic in the final hours before the August 3 deadline.
2 familiar trade partners Alex Anthopoulos should be calling soon
Los Angeles Angels
Over the past few years, a Braves-Angels trade has gone down on numerous occasions. Perry Minasian was Anthopoulos' former dance partner in these trades, but the Angels dismissed Minasian from his GM duties in June and brought in former Cardinals GM John Mozeliak as a replacement.
Despite a new voice on the phone in Anaheim, the Angels still have some intriguing pieces that could be a fit in Atlanta. Firstly, there is controllable left-handed starter Reid Detmers. The 2020 first-round pick has a 3.27 xERA, 3.72 xFIP, and 3.0 fWAR in the 2026 season. Detmers would absolutely qualify as one of the "playoff-caliber starters" Alex Anthopoulos has been clamoring for.
Elsewhere on L.A.'s roster is right-handed outfielder Jo Adell. The 27-year-old outfielder would seemingly be a great platoon option with Mike Yastrzemski. Adell has a .299/.336/.542 slash line against left-handed pitching this season, and would provide Walt Weiss with a viable bench bat to play matchups late in games.
Kansas City Royals
It's been a minute since the Braves and Royals linked up for a trade, but their previous transactions have been pretty important. Everyone remembers the 2021 trade that brought future World Series MVP Jorge Soler to Atlanta, with Kasey Kalich going back to Kansas City.
However, many forget the 2022 trade in which Atlanta acquired the 35th overall pick in that year's draft (which was tradeable because it was a competitive-balance pick) in exchange for Drew Waters, Andrew Hoffmann, and CJ Alexander. With the 35th overall selection, the Braves ended up taking JR Ritchie.
Kansas City's current roster offers similar assets to what the Angels have: a viable rotation arm and a proven platoon bat. Michael Wacha is not a name that will have Braves fans dancing in the street, but he is someone who is a clear upgrade over the options they have at the moment. Additionally, Lane Thomas fits in the same way Adell does, a veteran platoon bat who gives Weiss more flexibility.
Alex Anthopoulos should probably pass on reaching out to these old Braves trade partners
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies once again have the worst record in the National League and will be clear sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. Anthopoulos has been successful in finding diamonds in the rough in Colorado, with Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley transforming their careers once they got out of Coors Field.
Unfortunately, the 2026 Rockies do not offer the same hidden gems. Outfielder Mickey Moniak could have been a possible DH, but his hot start to the season has not lasted. Looking at Colorado's bullpen, no arm jumps out as an Anthopoulos-type reclamation target, so this year it's probably best to skip any trade talks with the Rockies.
Houston Astros
Anthopoulos has dealt with the Astros in back-to-back years, trading for Rafael Montero in 2025 and Mauricio Dubon back in November. The Braves need pitching, and no team has gotten less from its rotation than the Astros. Houston's starting pitchers have accumulated 1.8 fWAR, the lowest in baseball, and their 5.23 ERA is the highest of any team not named the Rockies.
While trading for Yordan Alvarez would be amazing, it's also extremely not likely. Outside of an unthinkable Alvarez trade going down, Houston does not seem to have the pieces that match up well with the needs of Atlanta.
Today's best reads
- Braves should call the Royals now and start trade talks for this intriguing rotation arm
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- Braves set to be hurt more than most teams due to change in MLB trade deadline schedule
- Braves News: Anthopoulos' trade deadline plan, Ronald Acuña Jr. update, Ha-Seong Kim
- Michael Wacha may be ideal fit for Braves, but a trade at the deadline won't be easy
This article was originally published on housethathankbuilt.com as 2 familiar Braves trade partners that may be in play again, 2 who aren't worth a phone call.
