The odds of Atlanta realistically making a trade before the 2024 season are slim. But it isn’t an impossible idea. The Braves’ lineup is already stacked. The pitching, although talented, could use another arm or two. And there are two Cleveland Guardians pitchers who make sense as trade targets for Atlanta.

Braves bonkers trade: Acquire Shane Bieber, Emmanuel Clase from Guardians

Prospect rankings via MLB.com.

Guardians acquire: RHP Hurston Waldrep (Braves 2023 No. 2 prospect), INF Ignacio Alvarez (Braves 2023 No. 7 prospect) OF Luis Guanipa (Braves 2023 No. 10 prospect), OF Luke Williams

Braves acquire: RHP Shane Bieber, RHP Emanuel Clase

Bieber and Clase were both mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Neither have been traded and recent rumors have suggested that Cleveland will hold onto both hurlers to begin the 2024 season. The Braves may be able to entice the Guardians with this trade offer, however.

The Guardians may ask for Braves 2023 No. 1 overall prospect AJ Smith Shawver in this deal. The chances of Atlanta trading him away are slim, though. Bieber is only under contract for one more season, so dealing him away in this deal would be risky.

Waldrep, though, was the Braves No. 2 overall prospect in 2023 and he features a high-ceiling. His fastball and splitter are his best pitches and Cleveland loves to draft/acquire young pitchers and develop them.

The Guardians’ primary needs are on offense, though. Trading for Alvarez and Guanipa would give the Guardians two position players with potential.

Alvarez can play shortstop and third base and has the tools to find success as a contact hitter in the big leagues. Guanipa is a good athlete who has power potential. Cleveland has desperately needed outfield help for a while, so adding Guanipa makes a lot of sense.