The 2024 season hasn’t gone according to plan for the Atlanta Braves. Sitting at 38 45 and just 4-6 in their last 10 games, the team has underperformed by most standards. However, with only an eight-game gap in the National League Wild Card race as of June 30, a postseason push is still within reach especially since the competition ahead isn’t exactly dominant.
What the Braves will do at the trade deadline remains unclear, but CBS Sports recently floated a potential trade idea: acquiring Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly. They listed Atlanta as one of three possible destinations for the veteran right-hander, alongside the Mariners and Twins.
Kelly, often underrated, has quietly outperformed more high-profile pitchers like Spencer Strider and Tyler Glasnow in ERA+ since 2022. Despite nearing his 37th birthday and lacking top-tier velocity, he continues to excel by using a deep, six-pitch arsenal effectively. CBS Sports noted that Kelly would be a strong trade candidate if Arizona decides to sell.
As for the Diamondbacks’ position, ESPN recently gave Kelly a 30% chance of being traded, a figure that could rise given recent injuries affecting Arizona’s roster. Though his fastball is among the slowest for pitchers with at least 90 innings this season, Kelly relies on pinpoint control and his standout changeup. He was a key contributor in Arizona’s 2023 World Series run, posting a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 24 innings.
Whether the Braves will be buyers or sellers at the deadline is still uncertain. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand pointed out that, aside from the Dodgers, Phillies, Mets, and Cubs, few NL teams are guaranteed playoff contenders. He suggested it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Braves mount a strong second-half comeback to claim a Wild Card spot.
To do that, though, they’ll likely need to bolster their roster. Adding a proven starter like Kelly who holds a 3.49 ERA could be exactly the kind of move that pushes them back into playoff contention.
