The Atlanta Braves remain one of the most frequently mentioned contenders for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as the 2026 MLB trade deadline approaches.
However, like other clubs reportedly monitoring the situation—including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers—the Braves are waiting to see whether Detroit ultimately decides to make its two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner available.
If the Tigers open the door to negotiations, Atlanta could emerge as a serious threat to land Skubal and pair him with Chris Sale atop the rotation. According to ESPN insider Buster Olney, 23-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie could serve as the centerpiece of a potential trade package.
“The Braves will be among the teams waiting to see if the Detroit Tigers are going to move Skubal and/or Mize, and Atlanta’s farm system is in better shape to put together an offer for Skubal; the 23-year-old RJ Ritchie could possibly anchor a deal,” Olney writes.
Any pursuit of Skubal is expected to require a massive return. One of baseball’s premier pitchers, the left-hander is unlikely to be moved unless the Tigers receive an overwhelming package in exchange.
For a championship-caliber club like Atlanta, however, paying that premium could be worthwhile if it significantly improves its chances of winning the World Series.
Landing Skubal would also prevent another National League contender—whether it’s the Dodgers, Brewers, or even the Philadelphia Phillies—from adding one of the game’s most dominant arms.
Including Ritchie in a deal could be a logical move for Atlanta. Unlike top prospect Cam Caminiti, who is viewed as a potential long-term fixture in the Braves’ rotation, or Didier Fuentes, who has developed into a key bullpen weapon this season, Ritchie may be the prospect the organization is more willing to part with.
The rookie right-hander owns a 4.50 ERA in the majors this season and remains under team control for several more years, making him an attractive asset for a rebuilding club like Detroit.
Of course, Ritchie alone would not be enough to acquire Skubal. Atlanta would almost certainly need to include additional prospects or young talent, but as Olney suggested, the 23-year-old could be the “anchor” of the package the Braves would offer in an attempt to convince the Tigers to part with their superstar ace.