Atlanta Braves need changes to contend in 2018

Adding a starter

The Atlanta Braves trade RHP Arodys Vizcaino, LHP Sam Freeman and RHP Jose Ramirez (or a lesser similar prospect) for Danny Salazar.

The Cleveland Indians have a couple needs but lack of payroll space limits their options.  The first is an outfield full of left handed bats with no right handed options; sorry can’t help now, maybe later.

The second is the hole in their bullpen as a result of the departure of Boone Logan, Joe Smith and Bryan Shaw. The Tribe’s window is closing quickly and they need a strong bullpen to make that happen.

I think they’d take the deal, based on the relievers Buster Olney tweeted they’re considering.

While not a marquee name, Salazar brings experience and a K rate above 25% to a rotation in need of both. His debut came in 2013 ended with 11.25 K/9 with only 2.6 BB/9.

In 2014 he made 20 starts and while his K/9 slipped to 9.82, he continued to be stingy about issuing walks.

His numbers for the last three years show that when he pitches he’s capable of being a top of the rotation arm.

DRA= Deserved Run Average  PWARP = Pitcher WAR

bWAR courtesy Baseball-Reference, DRA, and PWARP courtesy Baseball Prospectus, Remaining Stats from Fangraphs

You’ll have noticed I said “when” he pitches:  Salazar hasn’t approached the 200 inning mark since 2015; the reason is injuries.