Atlanta Braves MAILBAG: Go All-In For a Big Bat Or Arm At the Trade Deadline?

Atlanta Braves face a pivotal trade deadline decision: go all-in for a frontline starting pitcher or power bat as October approaches. Could a top arm to pair with Chris Sale be the missing piece, or will the offense rebound behind stars like Austin Riley, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Matt Olson? Jake Mastroianni breaks down Atlanta’s rotation questions, bullpen workload concerns, and the outlook for prospects like Hurston Waldrep and AJ Smith-Shawver. Key topics include Sean Murphy trade speculation, backup catcher upgrades, and how Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder fit into the postseason puzzle. With names like Nathan Eovaldi and Sonny Gray on fans’ wishlists, the conversation shifts to whether the Braves should keep their core or swing big to chase another World Series run. Can Alex Anthopoulos pull off a game-changing move before the MLB trade deadline?     Photo credit: Brett Davis   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub     Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast   KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.     Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.