By in large, Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has as good track record in trade or better than any executive in baseball. Yes, the Jorge Soler trade at this year’s deadline did not work out and Sean Murphy has struggled with injuries, but the moves that Anthopoulos makes typically make the team better for the most part. However, one trade failure that sticks out came early in his tenure in Kevin Gausman.

When the Braves acquired Gausman from the Orioles, the hope was that Atlanta would be getting a steady source of innings that came with multiple years of team control. In the 10 starts immediately after the trade in 2018, it looked like mission accomplished as Gausman posted a 2.87 ERA even if his strikeout numbers were anything special. However, Gausman struggled mightily in 2019 with a 6.19 ERA in 16 starts before the Braves put him on waivers where he was claimed by the Reds.

Since leaving the Braves, Gausman has finished in the top 10 in Cy Young voting three times including a third place finish in 2023. With the Blue Jays looking to retool their roster and payroll, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution’s Justin Toscano recently floated the idea of the Braves bringing Gausman back and it isn’t all that crazy.

Kevin Gausman's 3Ks in the 5th.

6Ks thru 5…and 🤫 pic.twitter.com/FIlGyujWGH

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 19, 2024

The Braves taking another chance on Kevin Gausman isn’t completely crazy

There are some reasons for the Braves to not go out and try to trade for Gausman. One, it has already not worked once before which could have been an aberration, but also could be indicative of Atlanta not fully understanding how to get the most out of him. Gausman is also 33 years old now, is owed $23 million a year in 2025 and 2026, and saw his stuff back up significantly in 2024 which could be a red flag.

The reality is that this is still a move the Braves need to consider. In the likely event that Atlanta does lose Max Fried this offseason along with Charlie Morton, adding a veteran starter to pair with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Strider could have a lot of value especially if Gausman has something left in the tank. Toronto’s asking price will matter as well their willingness to eat some of his salary, but a reunion with Gausman is a lot more plausible than fans may think.

However, a Gausman trade may not be at the top of the Braves’ wishlist this offseason. Going back to the trade deadline this year, the Braves clearly covet Garrett Crochet on the trade market and among the free agent starters, Atlanta has been connected to Nathan Eovaldi repeatedly this offseason. If those pursuits don’t work out and Gausman is still available, don’t be surprised if the Braves make a move here.