Updating Braves’ Trade Options for Justin Upton
Oct 14, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning in game three of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Orioles
Right now their outfield consists of Adam Jones and Alejandro de Aza. And de Aza probably isn’t their first choice. Sure, he can steal a base for you and he hits his weight, but de Aza’s peak production was in 2012 at a 2.7 WAR. In 2014 it was 1.4. Peter Gammons reports that they are being “pushed” (whatever that means) to take Colby Rasmus for a year. His projection? Worse than de Aza’s. Earlier, there was a rumbling about a Nate McLouth reunion.
That’s just not going to cut it. Not in that park (20th ranked HR park factor). And not for a division winner. The Red Sox will be better and the Blue Jays should be better, so it will take some bats for the Orioles to return to the playoffs. Where can they be found?
- Marlon Byrd (Phillies)
- Dexter Fowler (Houston)
- Shane Victorino (would Boston help them out? Not likely)
- Justin Upton
The Phils were apparently contacted about Marlon Byrd, but the answer that Dan Duquette got back appears to have been a non-starter involving both Byrd and Ryan Howard. He’s due $60 million through 2016 (counting a major option buyout price).
So far, the Orioles have been graded at a “D” for this off-season. Their options are dwindling fast, as they’ve made no moves of any significance to counter their significant losses.
Are they one bat away? It’s close: Upton would compare favorably with Nelson Cruz, but then they’d also need a better option than de Aza for the other corner spot. But the Braves would want Kevin Gausman from them.