The Atlanta Braves faced pitching depth issues in 2024, and the situation has only worsened. Ace Spencer Strider is expected to return around mid-season, and both Max Fried and Charlie Morton departed in free agency, with no moves made yet to replace their contributions.
To stay competitive with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, the Braves must add a few pitchers before the season starts. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently suggested that the Braves could make a major trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire starting pitcher Erick Fedde. In the proposed deal, the Braves would receive Fedde, while the Cardinals would get right-hander Bryce Elder.
Reuter pointed out that Fedde, who had a successful stint in the KBO before signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, has posted solid numbers in 2024, including a 3.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts in 177.1 innings.
With a manageable $7.5 million salary, Fedde is an appealing target for teams seeking a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm. The Braves could also consider other options like Grant Holmes, Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, Dylan Dodd, and Davis Daniel to fill the gaps left by Fried and Morton’s exits.
Stability is crucial for Atlanta’s starting rotation, and while Fedde remains somewhat unproven, he represents a safer bet than Elder, who struggled in 2024. A change of scenery with a rebuilding team like the Cardinals could benefit Elder, making this trade a mutually beneficial move for both clubs.
