The Case for Trading Atlanta Braves Pitcher Julio Teheran
After Julio Teheran posted another stellar performance, #Braves twitter went into action; but does it make sense to trade him?
Normally, starting pitchers of note are not traded in-season unless their contract is expiring. Normally, a team doesn’t trade their number 1 starter at all – unless they are sure they can’t keep him.
These are not normal times, and this is not a normal season for the Atlanta Braves. That, combined with obvious needs from multiple clubs around the league mean that there will be action on John Coppolella’s phone over the next 9 weeks and a lot of offers for Julio Teheran.
Right now, Teheran is on fire: 16th best ERA among starters in the majors, and the only one with this combination of (a) control; (b) affordability; (c) track record; (d) current performance; and (e) availability on a non-contending team… or any three of those traits.
Hence the discussion.
The question I have is this: does this make sense for the Atlanta Braves over the long haul?
Let’s debate.
Next: Trade Him? Are You Nuts?