Atlanta Braves Rumors: 3 Early-Season Trade Candidates

Welcome to Baseball Rumors' Early-Season Trade Candidates series. During it, we will be looking at three players who are already emerging as trade candidates during the beginning portion of the campaign.

In this latest episode of the series, we will be looking at the Atlanta Braves.

Ian Anderson: Ian Anderson was in the rumor mill all offseason, but a move did not occur. However, trade talks are expected to pick up again during the season, as the 24-year-old is currently pitching in the minors due to Atlanta's pitching depth. A change of scenery may be needed for him at this point, so look for some rebuilding teams to consider taking a chance on him.

Bryce Elder: Bryce Elder is another Braves pitcher who was reportedly being shopped during the offseason. This is understandable, as he is an odd man out of the Braves' pitching staff, and they could use him to help improve their roster elsewhere. In 10 appearances last season with Atlanta, he had a 2-4 record and a 3.17 ERA.

JR Ritchie: If the Braves want to make a big splash before the deadline passes, it could lead them to trade away one of their top prospects in JR Ritchie. The Braves have several righty pitching prospects, so they could afford to part ways with Ritchie if it leads them to land a high-impact player that makes them better immediately.