Braves Trade Rumors: Zach Eflin attracts strong interest from NL East club

After a career season last year, Zach Eflin has not been the pitcher that the Tampa Bay Rays have expected him to be this season. With the team looking increasingly unlikely to qualify for the postseason, the right-hander has been identified as a possible trade piece.

In a July 25th Fansided article, writer Zach Pressnell examined the market for the 6-foot-6 starter. Pressnell conceded that although many teams are interested in the starter, the Braves may be in the best position to make a deadline offer to the Rays. The reporter's indications come after Marc Tompkin of the Tampa Bay Times suggested that the Rays are shopping Zach Eflin.

"The Astros, Braves, and STLCards are among the teams expected to have “strong interest” in Rays SP Zach Eflin per @TBTimes_Rays" - MLB Deadline News

News pertaining to Eflin comes after the Rays dealt All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners on Friday morning in exchange for a pair of prospects and a player to be named later. This high-profile move has led many pundits to view the Rays as if they are in full-on sell mode.

In 110 innings this season, Eflin has pitched to a 4.09 ERA, his highest value since 2021. Although the player is currently boasting his lowest walks per nine-inning figure of his career to date, his strikeout figures are down, and he is set to surrender a career-high number of home runs.

The 2023 campaign saw Elfin going 16-8 while posting a 3.50 ERA, the lowest of his career. He has one more season on his three-year deal before free agency in 2025.

Atlanta Braves have unique need for a starter like Zach Eflin

Although starters like Reynaldo Lopez and Chris Sale have kept the Atlanta Braves pitching competitive, it may not be enough for a postseason run. With Max Fried freshly on the 15-day IL and Spencer Strider out for the season, a consistent starter like Eflin is exactly what Atlanta needs. As Pressnell noted in his piece:

"Atlanta likely wouldn't have to part ways with any top prospects to acquire Eflin, partly because they would be taking $18 million off the Rays books for next year. The interest is real and this could end up being a perfect match in the coming days."

Picking up Eflin will not come cheap, but the Braves know that it will be a deal they'll probably need to make.