The Atlanta Braves continue to attack one of their biggest weaknesses ahead of the MLB trade deadline, making another move to reinforce a pitching staff that has been stretched by injuries throughout the season. With the club firmly focused on strengthening its roster for the final two months, the front office targeted an experienced veteran capable of providing quality innings and added stability to the starting rotation.
The latest transaction, first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, sends a veteran right-handed starter from the San Francisco Giants to Atlanta in exchange for right-handed reliever. The trade was later made official by both organizations, giving the Braves another experienced arm as they prepare for what they hope will be another deep postseason run.
Veteran Starter Joins Atlanta
The pitcher, 31-year-old who is now set to join the fifth organization of his 10-year Major League career. He debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in 2017 and spent parts of six seasons there before being dealt to the Minnesota Twins at the 2022 trade deadline.
Tyler Mahle remained with Minnesota into 2023, but his season ended prematurely after suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Following the season, he entered free agency and signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers. He returned to the mound in August 2024 and finished the season with Texas before signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Giants during the offseason.
This season has been considerably more challenging. After posting an outstanding 2.18 ERA in 16 starts with Texas last year, Mahle has struggled to find that same consistency in San Francisco. Through 18 starts, he owns a 3-9 record with a 5.13 ERA, a 1.394 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts across 94 2/3 innings. Atlanta will hope that a fresh environment and the opportunity to pitch for a postseason contender help him rediscover his best form down the stretch.
Anthony Molina Heads to San Francisco
The Giants receive 24-year-old right-hander Anthony Molina in return. Molina debuted in the majors with the Colorado Rockies in 2024 and saw regular opportunities during his first two big-league seasons.
His 2026 campaign has largely been spent with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he has appeared in 17 games, including nine starts, while posting a 4.82 ERA. He made only three relief appearances for the Braves this season, recording a 5.40 ERA, a 1.400 WHIP, and two strikeouts over five innings.
San Francisco will now have the opportunity to determine whether Molina can contribute immediately at the Major League level or continue developing between Triple-A and the big leagues.
The Last Word
Atlanta’s latest acquisition addresses one of the organization’s clearest needs as the deadline approaches. Injuries have repeatedly tested the Braves’ starting rotation, making the addition of a proven veteran an important step toward bolstering the pitching staff for the remainder of the season.
Although Mahle has battled injuries over the last several years, he showed during his healthy stretches with Texas that he can still be an effective starter. If he can recapture that form over the final weeks of the regular season, he could become an important piece of Atlanta’s postseason plans.
Since Mahle is playing on a one-year contract, the move is widely viewed as a rental for the Braves. At the same time, his performance over the remainder of the season could strengthen his case for another contract, whether in Atlanta or elsewhere this offseason.
For the Giants, Molina represents a controllable young arm with upside. With the club no longer in the postseason race, the remainder of the season provides an opportunity to evaluate whether he can become part of San Francisco’s long-term bullpen plans.