Four Predictions about Atlanta Braves Pressing Issues
3. Erick Aybar
I’ve said this already, and it should be no surprise anyway: Aybar, with an expiring contract, will almost certainly be traded by July 31st. Hopefully he rebounds to make this deal worth at least something for Atlanta, but veteran infielders will be in demand almost no matter what. But don’t expect a big deal here – if Coppy is lucky, maybe a team sitting out the International Market will want him and trade their bonus slots.
It’s unfortunate for Atlanta that he’s started out this poorly, and thus it looks like Coppy overplayed his hand here. Given Aybar’s prior track record, this start is a bit surprising, though recognize that he’s seeing several tough pitchers that he isn’t used to… although that does not explain his defensive lapses and general lack of hustle.
Will others be traded? That certainly seems likely, but there needs to be reasons for teams to want what the Braves would have to offer. That requires better hitting and pitching all around. Hopefully, evidence of that is starting to emerge.
What would be the roster implications of dealing Aybar? This would be good news in the short term for Daniel Castro, as he would become the ‘placeholder’ while we await the arrival of Albies and Swanson. In fact, Castro seems to be earning the chance, a fact that has been noticed:
Dear Erick lowbar, Watch Castro run to first, he wants the job, you apparently don't
— Chief_Fred (@FredEOwens) April 20, 2016
Prediction: Aybar gets shopped the very first opportunity that the Braves have (i.e., once he finally starts hitting). Castro takes his place. By June-ish, both Albies and Swanson are promoted (to AAA and AA, respectively). Both get September call-ups.
Next: Start the Rotation Merry-Go-Round