TRADE: Angels Acquire Playoff Hero & World Series Champion In Swap With Braves

The Braves and Phillies have completed a trade that sends left-hander José Suarez to Atlanta in exchange for right-hander Ian Anderson. 

The 27-year-old Suarez, a longtime member of the Angels before a brief stint with the Phillies, now joins Atlanta as a potential bullpen option. Once considered a promising back-end starter, Suarez put together solid seasons in 2021 and 2022, posting a combined 3.86 ERA across 207.1 innings. 

But over the last two years, he's battled command issues and a spike in hard contact, resulting in a 6.91 ERA since the start of 2023. Suarez was outrighted to the minors last season but rebounded with a strong strikeout rate in camp this spring.

Not surprised that Ian Anderson was traded, but I wish it would’ve worked out better with the Braves. World Series champ forever, can’t take that away.

Bright side: he’s still young (turns 27 in May) and gets a fresh start with the Angels. Wish him well!pic.twitter.com/JnuvdiQgql

— StatsBrad (@StatsBrad) March 23, 2025

Anderson, 26, heads to Philadelphia looking to revive his career after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. A former top prospect and postseason standout with Atlanta, Anderson shined in the 2020 and 2021 seasons with a 3.25 ERA across 30 starts, followed by a 1.26 ERA in eight playoff outings. 

However, his command has been a concern, walking 18 batters in 17 spring innings this year despite a 2.65 ERA. “There’s no questioning Ian’s talent or big-game experience,” said a Phillies front office source. 

“This is a fresh opportunity for him to get back to what made him successful.” Anderson is out of options and could start the season in a long relief role or compete for back-end rotation duties.

Thank you for 2021, Ian Anderson 💙 pic.twitter.com/1kopoBOS6i

— GILES (@gilescollecting) March 23, 2025

This deal marks another link between the Braves and Phillies, two NL East rivals unafraid to exchange talent despite their competitive history. 

For Atlanta, Suarez offers another left-handed arm to slot behind Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer, while Philadelphia hopes Anderson can emerge as a rotation depth piece or insurance for a long season ahead. “Sometimes a change of scenery is what a guy needs,” one Braves scout noted. “Anderson's done it in October. The stuff’s still there.”

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images