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Atlanta Braves: The Pro’s of a Bumgarner Trade

By James Kunkle

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants looks on against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on August 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants looks on against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on August 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 23: Madison Bummgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on August 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Reasons why

Let’s get to the reasons why I think the Atlanta Braves acquiring Bumgarner would be good though. First off, he is a darn good pitcher who would anchor this rotation and be the teams de facto Ace. An Ace is something that has been lacking since probably the early days of Tim Hudson wearing a Braves jersey. Yes, Foltynewicz could still turn into an ace, but we need one right now to match up against the deGroms, Scherzer’s, and Kershaw’s of the National League.

Madison Bumgarner has 1 more year left on his deal and he is owed $12 million on that deal. That is a bargain for someone of Bumgarner’s talent level and yes, it still is even considering the recent injuries. Look at it this way, these are some pitchers who are making more than Bumgarner next season.

Bottom line is as we all know, the price for a star pitcher is through the roof so to get one at $12 million, even if it is for 1 year is a deal a team like the Braves cant afford to pass up in my opinion.

After the all-star break last year, Bumgarner seemed to have regained his health and his form for the most part. Over his last dozen starts, MadBum averaged over 6 IP per start and seemed to have had all his pitches working again. The numbers are inflated slightly because of 1 bad start in early September against the Rockies in Coors Field. We can let that one slide as he turned around in his next start against the same Rockies team and blanked them over 6 innings.

Throughout his career, Bumgarner has been a majority strikeout and ground ball pitcher. Much like Gausman’s did, Bumgarner’s numbers should improve dramatically if the Braves were to acquire him, due to their stellar defense that would be playing behind him. It also doesn’t hurt that he is left handed as teams might try and pounce on the catching tandem of the Braves this season and run on them as much as they can. The fact that Bumgarner is left-handed could hold them more on days he pitches.

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