The Atlanta Braves have sent right-hander Bryce Elder to Triple-A, a move that came as little surprise. At just 25, Elder hasn’t delivered the performance the team was hoping for, struggling to a 4.50 ERA this season.
With the rotation getting healthier—particularly with Spencer Strider’s return on the horizon—Elder became the odd man out. Despite his early-season struggles, it’s worth noting that Elder has consistently been too good for Triple-A, and that’s been evident at various points in his career.
Elder’s Rollercoaster Run in Atlanta
During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Texas native showed real promise. He posted a strong 3.17 ERA in 2022, followed by a 3.81 ERA in 2023—respectable enough to earn regular starts and even an All-Star selection after a dominant first half. Though he faded later in the season, the upside is still there.
With his age and experience on a competitive roster, Elder could be an intriguing trade piece for teams seeking back-end rotation help. While no clear suitor has emerged yet, a former All-Star with postseason experience at 25 years old is likely to draw interest.
Braves May Be Ready to Move On
Reports suggest the Braves are exploring trade options for Elder, especially as he doesn’t currently fit into either the rotation or bullpen. According to Nick Halden of ATL All Day, moving Elder now makes strategic sense.
“Elder isn’t a bullpen fit and comes with question marks. He’s the best version of himself that Atlanta has seen in two years, but it’s uncertain whether he can sustain it. That makes him the most likely candidate to be moved with Strider’s return,” Halden wrote.
The team also appears committed to keeping AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes, who offer more long-term potential and versatility, respectively.
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Trade Value and the Road Ahead
The challenge for Atlanta will be getting adequate value in return. Even if the Braves are healthy, they may still need to acquire another starter at the deadline—perhaps as part of a package deal involving Elder. However, the expectation isn’t that Elder alone would fetch a top-tier arm, given his current form.
Still, if there’s no clear role for him, both the team and Elder may benefit from a fresh start. Whether it’s part of a larger trade or a standalone move, the Braves seem open to making something happen before his value dips any further.
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