2.) Julio Teheran
Teheran is having struggles in the new ballpark, but giving him the boot after one bad season is something I think you let Teheran try to work out. If that doesn’t work, then give him the boot:
- April – 3.38 ERA
- May – 6.12 ERA
- June – 6.35 ERA
- July – 4.45 ERA
- August – 3.65 ERA
- September – 3.19 ERA
- 5.28 ERA first 3 months
- 3.76 ERA last 3 months
Due to Teheran’s second half performance, I think it’s too early to give up on the #1 starter in the rotation (arguably #2 as compared to Folty). Looking to trade Teheran right now is fully understandable as he still has some value.
Teheran will turn 27 in 2018, and already has 7 years of MLB experience. He will be pitching in the major leagues for many years to come, and has 3 years left on his contract with the Braves. He has been to 2 All Star games, and has 3 full seasons of 30+ games pitched with an ERA under 3.21 (2013 – 3.20, 2014 – 2.89, 2016 – 3.21).
It is highly likely that he will have a turnaround season in 2018 after his poor 2017 season, which is why I shy away at the idea of trading him anytime soon. The 2019 season will likely be the season that the Braves will be legitimate contenders for the playoffs, and I don’t feel too comfortable trading away someone with Teheran’s skillset and ability.
Teheran had a 5.86 ERA AT SunTrust Park and had a 3.14 ERA AWAY from SunTrust Park in 2017. Teheran made significant progress in the last 3 months of the season, pitching for a 3.76 ERA, showing that he can improve.
Similar to when a pitcher has to work out of a jam when they put runners on base, I think Atlanta should let Teheran work himself out of this jam where he struggles at home.