The Atlanta Braves are one of the best teams in baseball this season, but their rotation has some holes they need to address.
Chris Sale is still an ace, but behind him, there are some question marks. Spencer Strider is injured, and Martín Pérez, Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder are not exactly the kind of guys that strike fear in an opposing lineup. The trade deadline is a great opportunity for the Braves to add a frontline starter or two, and Joe Ryan could be a great fit.
Ryan has a $13 mutual option for next season and is slated to become a free agent after the 2027 season. The Minnesota Twins are hanging around in the wild card race and it is unclear if they will be sellers. However, if they are, Ryan may be their best trade chip.
He was an All-Star for the first time last year, and has followed that campaign up with another All-Star selection. His 2.85 ERA would be the second-best on the Braves, behind only Sale. The Braves need to start thinking about how they are going to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers in October, and Ryan is a great guy to help them do that.
Ryan will be a hot name among contenders looking for starting pitching, and the Braves will need to make a competitive offer to land him. However, it will be worth it if he helps them win the World Series.