Braves could target surprisingly available Dodgers starter to add pitching

The 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline is less than a week away but the Atlanta Braves may not need to wait that long to add to the starting rotation.

Atlanta's rotation has been mentioned on numerous occasions over the last few weeks. The Braves haven't been at full strength and some have speculated that the club would look for an upgrade in the rotation at the deadline.

The Braves may not need to wait as long now and one player who could make a lot of sense is Los Angeles Dodgers hurler James Paxton. He has spent the 2024 season with the Dodgers so far and surprisingly was designated for assignment on Monday, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"Sources: James Paxton is being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers," Murray said.

Paxton has had a roller coaster of a few years but returned to the field last season with the Boston Red Sox after dealing with some serious injuries. He was solid and used that performance to land a deal with the Dodgers this past offseason.

The veteran hurler's numbers don't look great this year with a 4.43 ERA in 18 starts and has been healthy. If the Braves want him, they could have him simply by placing a waiver claim and hoping no other team does. Or, they could call the Dodgers and likely land him in trade for pennies on the dollar.

Why not give him a chance?

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