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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Manager Walt Weiss #22 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 11, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves are the best team in baseball, and after their come-from-behind victory against the Colorado Rockies, their World Series aspirations are as firm as ever.
Under new manager Walt Weiss, all the right buttons have been pressed, but what can GM Alex Anthopoulos do to improve the roster for a playoff push? And to match the firepower of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League.
Toronto Blue Jays‘ starter Kevin Gausman, who is off to a very strong start in 2026, could be an option due to his contract status, and Atlanta is very familiar with Gausman’s services. In fact, the Braves, in a way, reinvented Kevin Gausman, and it allowed his career to take off from there.
GettyThe Toronto Blue Jays announced their starting pitcher and lineup ahead of a crucial Game 1 showdown with the Yankees.
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GettyKevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays could be on the trade block this season.
The biggest question surrounding this trade idea would be if the Braves actually need to bolster their rotation.
So far in 2026, Atlanta has had one of the best starting staffs in MLB, and Spencer Strider is set to return to make his season debut this weekend. However, how reliable will names like Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Martin Perez be down the stretch of the season?
Targeting Kevin Gausman is something Atlanta should consider, and since he’s an impending free agent, the Braves might be able to trade for Gausman on a bit of a discount. Gausman has made seven starts this season, and over 40+ innings, he holds a 3.10 ERA with 40 strikeouts.
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GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Manager Walt Weiss #22 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 11, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin Gausman, due to his contract status, has started to surface in trade rumors and speculation. Given the early-season success, expect the Braves to be linked to several high-profile names once the summer months approach.
Some other starters that could be worth targeting are: Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins), Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Kris Bubic (Kansas City Royals). Gausman is probably the most tenured and successful name out of the group, but Ryan, Keller, and Bubic are three names to keep an eye out for in speculation.
In a hypothetical trade idea with the Blue Jays for Kevin Gausman, who is finishing out a five-year, $110 million contract, the Braves might have to give up Grant Holmes and a prospect like Owen Murphy.
Toronto would likely ask for a top prospect, and throwing in an MLB-level player like Grant Holmes could get a trade completed. Or the Blue Jays might just want prospects, which would also make sense.
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