MLB Trade Grades: Braves End Ian Anderson Era in the Most Depressing Way Possible

MLB Trade Grades: Braves End Ian Anderson Era in the Most Depressing Way Possible

March 24, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves have officially moved on from former top pitching prospect Ian Anderson, finalizing a trade that signals the end of an era—one that once promised so much but ended in disappointment. The trade, which sends Anderson to the Kansas City Royals for a low-level minor leaguer and cash considerations, has left many Braves fans frustrated at how the once-promising right-hander’s tenure came to a close.

The Trade Details

On Monday, the Braves announced that they had sent Anderson to the Royals in exchange for infielder prospect Ben Carter, a 22-year-old utility player ranked outside of Kansas City’s top 30 prospects. Additionally, Atlanta will receive a small amount of cash to help offset payroll costs.

While Anderson’s struggles in recent seasons made a move inevitable, the return package makes it clear that his trade value had plummeted—an unfortunate fate for a pitcher who once played a key role in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run.

Trade Grades

Braves: D+ It’s hard to give Atlanta anything above a below-average grade here. While Anderson was never going to bring back a high-end prospect, getting only a fringe minor leaguer and cash makes this feel like an unceremonious dumping of a once-prized arm. The Braves could have opted to keep Anderson in Triple-A and attempt to rebuild his value, but instead, they chose to cut ties for almost nothing.

Royals: B+ For Kansas City, this is a low-risk, high-upside move. While Anderson has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, he’s still just 26 and has flashed ace-level potential in the past. The Royals, who need pitching depth, are essentially betting on a change of scenery helping Anderson regain his form. Given the minimal cost, this is a smart gamble for them.

What Went Wrong for Anderson in Atlanta?

After bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2020 and delivering clutch postseason performances in 2021, Anderson’s career took a sharp downturn. He struggled with control issues and saw his fastball command diminish, leading to a disastrous 2023 season where he posted an ERA over 6.00 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. By the time he returned in 2024, the Braves had moved on, and he never regained a spot in the rotation.

What’s Next?

For the Braves, this move clears a roster spot and removes uncertainty, but it comes at the cost of a player who once looked like a long-term rotation fixture. For Anderson, a fresh start in Kansas City may be exactly what he needs to resurrect his career.

While this trade may not make major headlines, it serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in baseball. Just a few years ago, Anderson was one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. Now, he’s looking to salvage his career with a new team.