The Atlanta Braves front office is on the prowl for a starting pitcher. We knew this though going into the Winter Meetings. John Hart came out and told the world the Braves were looking for a starting pitcher, a second basemen and a backup catcher.
With the Chicago Cubs signing Jon Lester (awesome for the Cubs fan base), the remaining free agent starting pitcher’s agencies now have a baseline to judge what their player are worth.
We know that Atlanta will not want to over pay for a pitcher and possibly could wait until the spring months before picking up their last piece to the rotation…like they did in 2014. But the Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez knows that adding a fifth starter is a must at this point….
“Well, a (fifth) starter,” Fredi told David O’Brien when asked about what the team needed at this point. “We’re kicking the tires of some of the possibilities out there, whether it’s a free agent guy or maybe a trade possibility.”
With over 40 free agent pitchers still on the board, the Braves have many options…maybe not good options but they are out there. The Braves have to determine who would fit in with this squad and who is worth the money.
#Braves Hart indicated not close to making any trades, despite plenty discussions. FA deal for a pitcher might come sooner.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2014
One pitcher that the Braves should be interested in bringing back to the team is Aaron Harang. After the season he gave us and what he can still provide a team, he could be worth the extra month. We don’t have to rush to sign him, the Braves could probably wait to see if anything else falls into their laps.
From our count the Braves payroll is now sitting at $100.8 and we could possibly have around $8-11 million to spend on this fifth starter.
Below is a list of the free agent pitchers still available, their age, if they are a lefty or righty, if they are signed and what interest I believe the Braves should have in these guys.
If you disagree, I’d like to hear your comments…post them below