The recent blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants sent shockwaves through MLB. But for Atlanta Braves fans, stunning trades are nothing new. Throughout the years, the Braves have made several jaw-dropping moves some aimed at rebuilding, others that baffled the fanbase.
Here are five of the most shocking trades in recent Atlanta Braves history:
1. Adam Wainwright Sent to Cardinals
The Braves had high hopes for young pitcher Adam Wainwright, but in a surprising 2003 deal, they packaged him with pitchers Ray King and Jason Marquis in exchange for one year of slugger J.D. Drew and utility player Eli Marrero. Wainwright went on to have a stellar career in St. Louis, while Drew had a solid 2004 season with 31 homers before leaving in free agency, making the deal feel like a short-sighted gamble.
2. Andrelton Simmons Dealt to the Angels
Known as one of baseball’s top defensive shortstops, Simmons’ departure in 2015 shocked many. The Braves shipped him and catcher Jose Briceno to the Angels in exchange for pitcher Sean Newcomb, shortstop Erick Aybar, and prospect Chris Ellis. While Newcomb showed flashes, including a near no-hitter in 2018, Aybar underperformed. Simmons, meanwhile, thrived in Anaheim, batting .281 with nearly 20 WAR during his five-year run.
3. Braves Go All-In for Mark Teixeira
In 2007, GM John Schuerholz’s final major move was acquiring Mark Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay from the Rangers. The cost was steep: future MLB standouts Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, Neftali Feliz, and Beau Jones. While Teixeira was productive, he didn’t stay long, getting traded again the following year. Andrus became a cornerstone player in Texas, making this trade a long-term loss for Atlanta.
4. 1995 Heroes Traded to Cleveland
After playing pivotal roles in the Braves’ 1995 World Series win, David Justice and Marquis Grissom were unexpectedly sent to the Cleveland Indians in 1997 for Kenny Lofton and Alan Embree. Lofton, battling injuries, played only one season in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Justice remained a key offensive player, helping Cleveland reach the World Series that year.
5. Craig Kimbrel Traded on Opening Day Eve
In a shocking 2015 Opening Day eve trade, the Braves moved elite closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder B.J. Upton to the Padres as part of their rebuild. Atlanta received a package that included Cameron Maybin, Carlos Quentin, Jordan Paroubeck, Matt Wisler, and a draft pick. Kimbrel never became a fixture in San Diego, later bouncing around before briefly returning to Atlanta in 2025 only to be designated for assignment after one appearance.
These trades highlight just how unpredictable and franchise-altering front office decisions can be especially for a team with the long, storied history of the Braves.
