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    Braves Predicted to Pull off Huge Trade, Nab Cardinals' 3-Time All-Star

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    By Jackson Roberts

    Copyright newsweek

    Braves Predicted to Pull off Huge Trade, Nab Cardinals' 3-Time All-Star

    The Atlanta Braves’ starting pitching situation wound up a lot more chaotic than they were hoping it would be this season.

    The Braves used 18 — yes, EIGHTEEN — starting pitchers this season, with only six of them making 10 starts or more. Injuries, inconsistency, and constant 40-man roster juggling kept the Braves’ rotation in a constant state of flux.

    While there are lots of reasons to be more excited about this rotation next season, such as the emergence of rookie Hurston Waldrep and the prospect of better health for ace Chris Sale, it seems obvious that the Braves will be seeking another reliable arm or two in the offseason to stabilize the group.

    ST LOUIS, MO – MAY 15: A close up view of a St. Louis Cardinals hat in the dug out during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium on May 15, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)

    One baseball insider registered an early prediction on the move the Braves would make.

    On Sunday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tabbed Atlanta to acquire St. Louis Cardinals three-time All-Star Sonny Gray, who seems to be one of the biggest names available on the still-too-early offseason trade block.

    “Cardinals ace Sonny Gray, who exercised his full no-trade rights this season, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he’s now open to being traded with the Cardinals expected to further tear down their roster in a rebuild,” Nightengale wrote. “Prediction: Gray winds up with Atlanta.”

    Though Gray’s Cardinals tenure hasn’t worked out how either side hoped (St. Louis signed the righty to a three-year, $75 million contract before the start of last season, with a $30 million club option for 2027), there’s little doubt the 35-year-old can still be a solid innings-eater, if not still a borderline All-Star.

    This season, Gray pitched to a 4.28 ERA in 180 2/3 innings. He struck out 201 batters, though, one of just 12 pitchers to cross that threshold as of Sunday, and his 3.40 FIP suggests some positive regression could be in order.

    The Braves’ recent 10-game winning streak was an indication to the entire league that they believe they can be playoff contenders again next season. Will Gray be a part of the resurgence?

    More MLB: Mets Cut Ties with 4-Year Veteran in Flurry of Last-Second Roster Moves

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