A new report offers up new details on the Atlanta Braves‘ efforts to make a blockbuster Tarik Skubal trade earlier this week. And it seems they were never close to getting a deal done.

After seeing their streak of seven straight playoff appearances end after an 86-loss season last year, the Braves have returned to being one of the elite teams in the National League in 2026. Heading into their series opener against the New York Yankees on Friday, Atlanta now owns the second-best record in MLB (70-45), thanks to a major slump for the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yet, for as good as the Braves are and can be when they get some key players back from the injured list, there are still many who doubt they can overcome the Dodgers in the playoffs. That is why they were among the teams linked to a trade for the Detroit Tigers superstar over the last couple of weeks.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Atlanta was among the top contenders for Skubal’s services heading into Monday’s MLB trade deadline. However, to the dismay of baseball fans around the country, the Dodgers — of all teams — ended up winning the Skubal sweepstakes.

In Rosenthal’s latest report on the chase for the two-time All-Star, he sheds new light on the Braves’ pursuit of the pitcher, and it seems their chances were never very good.

Atlanta Braves could have done more before the MLB trade deadline

It is certainly a positive that the Braves did make a real effort to land the two-time Cy Young Award winner. While he would have probably been a rental, adding his talent to their starting rotation would have made Atlanta a serious threat to both the Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers this fall.

After failing to get Skubal, the Braves pivoted to moves for veteran starter Tyler Mahle and added bullpen depth with the acquisition of Brent Suter. However, they probably could have done better. If Atlanta felt they needed a front-line starter, there were options on the block that were better than Mahle.

Rivals the New York Mets had two intriguing options in 2025 Cy Young finalist Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes. And the Tigers also made underrated veteran starter Casey Mize available. Yes, those pitchers are nowhere close to as good as Skubal. But they are probably better than Mahle, who has a 5.13 ERA this season. However, the club went with a more affordable option and hopes their internal arms coming off the IL can be huge difference-makers over the next three months.

Do you think the Braves made the right moves before the trade deadline?

Community members in Cherokee County gather to honor First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, who died in service last month. Feehan’s fiancée, Claire Fletcher, shares memories of his love for the Atlanta Falcons and his dream of coaching high school football. Governor Kemp orders flags to half staff statewide in his honor.