MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves potentially eyeing $400 million Detroit Tigers superswtar to support deadly Chris Sale-Spencer Strider duo

The Atlanta Braves could be preparing to make one of the biggest moves of the 2026 offseason, potentially acquiring Detroit Tigers ace and soon-to-be multiple Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. A trade for Skubal, whose projected market value hovers around $400 million, would form a dominant rotation trio alongside Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, instantly elevating the Braves’ World Series aspirations.

Atlanta Braves’ Offseason Priorities

Heading into 2026, Atlanta Braves’ front office - led by Alex Anthopoulos - is expected to focus heavily on both the bullpen and starting rotation. The bullpen remains the team’s most pressing concern after inconsistencies during key moments of the 2025 season.One key decision involves reliever Tyler Kinley, who emerged as one of the most reliable arms for the Atlanta Braves last year.“So far, he’s proved to be a steal. In 21 games pitched since coming to Atlanta, Kinley has a 0.41 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP over 22 innings of work. He’s averaging nearly a strikeout per inning as well. It was a low-risk gamble that brought high reward,” wrote SI’s Harrison Smajovits. (H/t: Sporting News)

Tyler Kinley’s 2025 Performance

For just $6.5 million, the Braves have the opportunity to retain a quality late-inning option.

If Kinley continues his impressive form, this decision could be one of the most cost-effective bullpen moves of the offseason.

The Tarik Skubal Factor

While bullpen reinforcements are vital, the Braves are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster trade for Tarik Skubal, one of MLB’s most dominant starting pitchers. Skubal has just one year of team control remaining, which could make him available if the Tigers look to maximize his trade value before free agency.

HTHB’s Eric Cole highlighted the potential challenge and magnitude of the move: “Okay, this is the big one and also the toughest one to pull off. The Braves want starting pitching depth and there is a good chance that soon-to-be multiple Cy Young winning Tarik Skubal is available in the right trade.”Cole also suggested that a trade package similar to the one used to land Kyle Tucker last offseason could be a realistic starting point for negotiations.

Possible Trade Framework

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While such a deal would come at a steep cost, the payoff could be enormous. Adding Skubal would immediately create one of the most fearsome pitching rotations in the league.

A Rotation Built for Dominance

If the Atlanta Braves were to acquire Skubal, their projected top three starters would be: 1. Tarik Skubal – Cy Young contender, elite left-hander 2. Chris Sale – Veteran ace with championship pedigree 3. Spencer Strider – Strikeout machine and franchise cornerstoneThis trio would give Atlanta a perfect mix of power, experience, and left-right balance, making them a nightmare for opposing hitters.

Projected 2026 Braves Rotation

What It Means for Atlanta

For General Manager Alex Anthopoulos, landing Tarik Skubal would be a career-defining move - one that could be remembered for years in Atlanta Braves history. It would not only reinforce the team’s championship window but also address the long-term stability of the rotation as veterans age.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Mets predicted to land $150 million Philadelphia Phillies star to bolster team and title chancesAs Eric Cole summarized, this would be “the toughest one to pull off,” but it’s exactly the kind of bold decision that could make the Atlanta Braves unstoppable in 2026 and beyond. If Anthopoulos pulls the trigger, this could be remembered as the defining trade that set the stage for another Braves dynasty.