Braves make a couple moves in the minor league system
The Atlanta Braves — and most of the MLB — have been quiet for the majority of this offseason. We’re all waiting for a move. No telling when new GM Alex Anthopoulos will find the right move…if ever.
The Christian Yelich and/or J.T. Realmuto rumors have been flying all around, but nothing further than a Braves check in has been known.
Many free agents are still out in the market as well. Braves could be looking for third base help, bullpen help, maybe a veteran outfielder?
We’re in a strange time right now. We could see a huge blockbuster trade pulled off by Anthopoulos or we could go into the season with a pretty similar team to what we see on paper today.
Since the moves have been sparse and we can count all the Braves moves made so far in January on one hand, let’s go ahead and list them.
Braves send RHP Luke Jackson to the Gwinnett Stripers
Braves released RHP Taylor Lewis from the Rome Braves roster
Braves released RHP Matt Custred from the Rome Braves roster
There you have it. Three moves have been made. And it’s not like other teams are doing anything either so I’m not knocking the Braves here. It’s been a very slow offseason. The dominos will have to fall eventually, right?
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The Braves drafted Custred out of Texas Tech in the 31st round of the 2015 draft. The 6’6″ 240-pounder had a big fastball coming out of school, but he didn’t have much of a college track record…he only made 26 total appearances with 36 walks and 43 strikeouts over 33 innings.
To start the 2016, Custred struggled on the mound. From August 1st on, he was very impressive. He made 12 appearances from then on (including postseason), throwing 14.2 innings with a 1.84 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 6/20 BB/K ratio.
In 2017, he appeared in 24 games for the Rome Braves and posted a 1.16 ERA with 48 strikeouts compared to just 15 walks.
The big righty throws between 92-95 with the fastball, touching 97 mph.
Sounds like good number, eh? Well, doesn’t sound like he has a future with the Braves.
Braves drafted Lewis in the 9th round of the 2015 draft out of the University of Florida. In 2016, Lewis made his way up to the Double-A level.
In 2017, he pitched in high Single-A (Florida Fire Frogs) as well as Single-A (Rome). He posted a 2.75 ERA with Rome and a 8.87 ERA with Florida.
Next: Why the Braves Won't Offer Acuna for Yelich
So to recap, Braves release two relief pitchers that were both drafted in the 2015 MLB draft. Not exactly sure why these moves were made. Minor moves like this will be made within the next few weeks and we’ll keep you updated as best as we can.