Braves could make unexpected Spencer Strider trade decision this offseason

The Atlanta Braves needed to upgrade their starting rotation at the 2026 MLB trade deadline thanks to the team losing a few key starters before and during the 2026 regular season due to injury.

Looking ahead to the upcoming offseason, the need for more rotation help is going to be present. However, that didn't stop a very fascinating trade rumor from coming out recently.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand , the Braves might end up trading Spencer Strider this upcoming offseason, especially after they reportedly tried trading him for Jacob deGrom at the2026 MLB trade deadline.

Braves could trade Spencer Strider after mid-season attempt

"The Braves discussed sending Strider to Texas in a contract swap trade for Jacob deGrom before the Trade Deadline, and although deGrom blocked the deal with his no-trade clause, it's clear that Atlanta is open to moving its former ace," Feinsand writes.

Strider was once the best pitcher on the Braves roster and looked to be a future Cy Young winner with how great he was at times.

But now, he's a potential trade candidate, and someone the Braves aren't keen on keeping. He's been out since the middle of June with an elbow injury, and there have been a lot of injury issues the last few seasons.

The 27-year-old right-hander is currently on the 60-day IL, and there is some real concern about his production in 2027 and beyond after making just 33 starts over the last three seasons.

He's in the middle of a $75 million contract and has $22 million on the books each of the next two seasons, with a $22 million club option and a $5 million buyout in 2029.

Finding a trade partner for Strider might prove difficult, especially considering the injury issues and major money still owed to him.

But the Braves are eyeing a Strider trade, as they've already tried to ship him off once. He's someone to keep a close eye on this upcoming offseason, as Strider might be on a new team by the start of the 2027 MLB season.