Braves Seen as Perfect Match for Chicago Cubs Veteran Starter at Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs will almost certainly be sellers at this season's MLB trade deadline.

One name who could be on the move is veteran starter Kyle Hendricks, the only holdover from the 2016 World Series championship team.

Hendricks has been great on the mound since his return earlier this season posting a 3.57 ERA with a 1.086 WHIP in 58.0 innings pitched. He is the exact type of player the Cubs will want to try and move ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.

One team that has been "matched" as a potential fit for Hendricks is the Atlanta Braves by MLB.com.

"It’s hard to say Atlanta has any glaring need as the Braves cruise toward another division title, but the back end of the rotation behind Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton is thin," writes Mark Feinsand. "Even when Max Fried gets healthy, innings limits could come into play for Elder, making the addition of rotation depth important."

Hendricks is a perfect candidate to provide meaningful innings for a contender's rotation. Since changing his approach where he now calls all of his own pitches, Hendricks has been a valuable member of what is a very good Chicago rotation.

If he can take those same skills to the Braves, then Atlanta would become easily the most dangerous club in MLB.

Hendricks also has a $16 million club option for the 2024 MLB season, only providing more value to the acquiring team as well as raising his return for Chicago.

Atlanta has a good farm system and can offer the type of prospects the Cubs will be looking for in return.

It's a good match for both sides and is a partnership that could come to fruition.

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