The Atlanta Braves have not met expectations this season. The team is without Chris Sale, but is still trying to salvage its season and make the postseason.

The Braves are eight games out of a wild card spot, and their postseason chances are slim. However, Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear he does not intend to sell at the deadline. The team could make additions that keep their slim postseason hopes alive and set them up for next year.

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FanSided’s Mitchell Barbee suggested the Braves trade for Luis Severino of the Athletics. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale revealed that the Athletics “can’t wait” to trade Luis Severino. Severino signed a three-year, $67 million deal with the A’s last offseason. Severino could help fill a gap in the rotation with Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach out indefinitely.

“Atlanta hasn’t even announced which minor league starter will take Schwellenbach’s place in the rotation, so unless Alex Anthopoulos acts quickly, the Braves starting rotation could sink the Braves further and further out of contention before they even reach the All-Star break,” wrote Barbee.

Severino has a 5.09 ERA this season, but that does not paint the entire picture. He has a 3.04 ERA in eight road starts, but his ERA in Sacramento is 6.79.

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He is a two-time All-Star with another year on his contract before he has a player option. The Braves are going to need a drastic turnaround to make the postseason. Adding Severino will help their cause, but at the very least, he could be a key player going into next season.

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