The Atlanta Braves are surrounded by plenty of trade speculation heading into the MLB trade deadline, with starting pitching emerging as one of the biggest areas of focus.
With their rotation dealing with injuries and some recent uneven performances from their starters, the Braves are believed to be in the market for a reliable arm. One pitcher who has quickly become a notable trade candidate is Casey Mize, especially with the right-hander set to become a free agent after the season.
According to MLBTR.com’s “Top 35 Trade Candidates” list, Casey Mize ranks as the No. 4 trade candidate. Anthony Franco wrote:
“All the reasons that Skubal might be available apply equally to Mize. He’s an impending free agent on a long shot contender and pitching as well as ever. The former first overall pick holds a 2.95 ERA with a career-best 25.1% strikeout rate across 11 starts. Mize has had a couple injured list stints for minor left groin issues but is currently healthy and pitching like a playoff-caliber starter. He’s much cheaper than Skubal and wouldn’t require the same prospect capital as Joe Ryan, who has an extra year of club control.”
Mize appears to be an ideal trade target for Atlanta, especially if the Braves prefer to add pitching help without making a long-term commitment beyond the 2025 season.
What Could a Braves-Tigers Trade for Casey Mize Look Like?
With Mize becoming a potential trade chip, it is worth exploring what a possible deal between the Braves and Detroit Tigers could look like for the former All-Star starter.
Recently, FanSided.com writer Fred Owens identified Casey Mize as one of two rental starting pitchers the Braves should consider pursuing:
“If available, the Braves would pay him $1.12 for August and September, and hope Mize would take a one-year pillow contract with Atlanta or that the Alabama native might accept a four-year, $90 deal with an option.”
Owens also suggested:
“JR Ritchie and a lottery ticket pitching prospect should be enough for Mize.”
Based on that framework, a potential trade package that could be enough to acquire Casey Mize would look like this:
Braves receive:
RHP Casey Mize
Tigers receive:
RHP JR Ritchie, prospect Garrett Baumann
This would be a two-player trade centered around Ritchie as the key piece. While some Braves fans may be hesitant to part with one of their promising pitching prospects, as Owens pointed out, Ritchie could be the type of high-upside asset Atlanta needs to move if they want to land another quality starter before the deadline.
Braves Trade Deadline Plans: What Does Atlanta Need?
Adding a starting pitcher is expected to remain Atlanta’s biggest priority before the trade deadline, but the Braves could also explore other areas of need, including an infielder or another corner outfielder.
Shortstop is one position that could be worth monitoring, though ultimately, the direction of the team rests with Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who has the final say on all major front-office decisions.
If other top pitching targets such as Joe Ryan and Tarik Skubal are unavailable, Casey Mize could emerge as a realistic and valuable option for Atlanta. He offers the Braves a proven arm who can strengthen the rotation while giving the organization flexibility moving forward.