Braves Trade Ian Anderson to Angels for Struggling Pitcher Jose Suarez

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves traded right-hander Ian Anderson to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday in exchange for left-hander Jose Suarez, according to MLB insider Ari Alexander.

The 26-year-old Anderson, a former top draft pick, has made no appearances in Major League Baseball since 2022, struggling with command during Spring Training. He was the overall third pick of the 2016 draft and started 52 regular-season games for the Braves after debuting in 2020.

Suarez, 27, provides the Braves with pitching depth as he faces a career revival after battling inconsistencies in previous seasons. The left-hander had a challenging tenure with the Angels, recording a 6.91 ERA over his last two seasons while dealing with shoulder issues and command problems.

Despite these difficulties, Braves manager Brian Snitker stated, “We see potential in Suarez. He has a good breaking ball, and sometimes that’s all a pitcher needs to turn it around.”

Last season, Suarez struggled with a 6.02 ERA, earning 56 strikeouts against 27 walks in 52.1 innings. In contrast, he saw improvement after returning to the big leagues in September, posting a 1.59 ERA over 17 innings. “If a demotion never happens, it’s never part of your mindset,” said Angels manager Ron Washington. “Now that it’s happened to him, he’s on alert. And that’s true for any player.”

Anderson’s Spring Training has been marked by command issues, and he ultimately lost out on a potential spot in the Braves’ Opening Day rotation. Following a poor showing just hours before the trade, the Braves opted to move him for a pitcher they believe can contribute at a deeper level.

Both Anderson and Suarez have faced their respective challenges; Anderson’s struggles have been well documented. He received National League Rookie of the Year votes in both 2020 and 2021 but has fallen short in recent seasons.

This trade reflects the Braves’ strategy of acquiring depth for the upcoming season. The organization is familiar with the necessity of maintaining a stable pitching staff, especially as injuries and performance issues arise during the long MLB season.

“We are focused on building a competitive roster,” said Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos. “Adding Jose gives us another option. We believe in his ability to bounce back.”

Suarez arrives at Braves’ spring camp 20 pounds lighter, indicating his commitment to improving after disappointing performances in the past. “This year is very important,” he said. “I feel really good. I lost a lot of weight and worked hard because I want to be the best version of myself on the mound.”

As both players adjust to their new teams, the potential impact of this trade remains to be seen. The Braves are betting on Suarez’s upside while offering Anderson a fresh start in Los Angeles.