Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Winter Meetings Rumor Wrap for Day 2
Alex Anthopoulos seems like he’s ready to go ahead and pack his bags to go back to Atlanta, but that hasn’t stopped some very interesting rumors involving the Braves.
The level of activity has picked up around Las Vegas at the Winter Meetings, though the Atlanta Braves continue to report that for them “nothing is close” and they are still waiting for the free agent market to come to them.
GM Alex Anthopoulos is content not to chase after other clubs in their pursuit of new players, but instead appears ready to stick with his plans, which include staying within a budget.
Braves don't expect to add a starter or reliever by end of winter meetings, Anthopoulos said.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) December 11, 2018
Meanwhile, there have definitely been some interesting news around: some that will impact the Braves indirectly and some perhaps more directly in the coming days and weeks.
So as has been our habit over the past couple of days, let’s go around the league and hit the highlights as the last full day of the Winter Meetings is about to begin.
Troy Tulowitzki
This almost certainly will not impact the Braves, but it’s still noteworthy.
On Tuesday, The Toronto Blue Jays made the eye-opening decision to release oft-injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
The move will still require the Blue Jays to send regular paychecks to ‘Tulo’ for the additional 2 years of his contract and a 2021 option buyout. A total of $38 million. Ouch.
This move means that while the Blue Jays will move on with youngsters, they obviously could not find a soul interested in helping to relieve them of this roster spot and financial burden… none of it.
Tulowitzki is reported to be in good health, but … he’s still going to be a longshot to get a starting job anywhere. Still an interesting and difficult day for Jays’ fans.
Troy Tulowitzki is working out at Long Beach State and said to be in best health in a long time. This could be first in a line of moves for the Blue Jays, who continue to look to deal Russell Martin, sources tell Yahoo Sports. Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez could move, too.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2018
On Marcus Stroman: I would honestly not hold my breath here. Just valuing him for trade purposes is going to be difficult. Actually putting him into a rotation could be a bit risky.
Your Daily Realmuto
If this topic is triggering to your sensibilities, feel free to skip to the next section.
The Marlins are still clutching their remaining pearl and the Mets are seemingly desperate to come up with some way to appease Miami’s appetite for premium talent for the privilege of using J.T. Realmuto as their 2019-20 catcher.
The Yankees appear to have checked in… and checked out. Early reports of a 3-way that would perhaps send Miguel Andujar to Miami and Noah Syndergaard to the Bronx for Realmuto (as one permutation mentioned) have fizzled. Mets are still trying to figure out how to go forth alone.
Meanwhile… Mets do actually have a Plan B, and there’s good reason for that:
Mets met with Wilson Ramos, who’s here in Vegas, today. Realmuto remains top catching option but Ramos of interest.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2018
Mets are to lose a bit of confidence in realmuto talks, and are starting to think about the value of acquiring a defensive catcher — they met on Maldonado Tuesday — and bulking up the bullpen instead.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2018
Remaining teams said to be ‘in’ on the catcher are the Phillies (that’s kinda new today), Braves, Dodgers, Padres.
New today is the apparent willingness of the Padres to consider trading their better prospects (huh – did they think something would fall into their lap otherwise?). That news from Kevin Acee via Buster Olney.
Free Agent News
J.A. HAPP
The markets for J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn are emerging - and look eerily similar. According to sources, the Astros, Yankees, Reds, Rangers and Blue Jays are engaged with both pitchers. The Phillies are also interested in Happ, while the White Sox have expressed interest in Lynn.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 12, 2018
The pursuit of J.A. Happ (who recently turned 35 years of age) comes down to this: the contract demand for a third guaranteed year…
Execs, agents believe that J.A. Happ's camp will wait as long as it takes for a team to step up and give him a third year in their offer -- days, hours, weeks, whatever it takes. The market context constantly changes, and could nudge a team into giving the third year.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 11, 2018
The Braves could be in play, but almost certainly will not be ‘nudged’ to a 3rd year.
ANDREW McCUTCHEN
Phillies have agreed to a three-year contract with Andrew McCutchen, source says. Deal is pending a physical.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 11, 2018
The deal is for $50 million over 3 years with a 4th year option. That’s a bit of an overpay, but it’s something that the Phillies feel is necessary for them to do at times.
This also gets them ‘on the board’. When they further pursue either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, they actually will need to have most of the rest of their teams fleshed out to help entice one of these free agents choose them. Knowing what the supporting cast is ahead of time is definitely part of the wooing process.
The Braves, by contrast, lose one option for Right Field, but this also tends to set the price bar for other free agent options. That said, it’s certainly plausible that Atlanta could head in a different direction all together.
Right Field
Candidates still up for discussion that there has been at least some mention of for the Braves:
- A.J. Pollock (could require something in the 3 yr/$50m range… +/-; draft pick compensation)
- David Peralta (may not be available)
- Mitch Haniger (almost certainly not available for a decent price)
- Michael Brantley (could require something in the 3 yr/$50m range… +/-)
- Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson (some easier than others)
- Nick Castellanos
Sources: #Tigers OF Nick Castellanos is drawing trade interest. #Braves are among the teams that have checked in. Castellanos, 26, is coming off a career offensive year and is an alternative to Brantley and Pollock via free agency. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2018
Okay, let’s talk about the last name. I mentioned this briefly at the end of yesterday’s Morning Chop, but I didn’t really buy it. Now I kinda do:
As much as they value defense, #Braves would be willing to give up a little defense from a good-hitting corner OF because of how good Inciarte is and how much ground he can cover. So if they could get a good corner OF bat with a little below-average D, they'd consider that.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2018
By the measure of Defensive Runs Saved, Castellanos is the 5th worst outfielder in the majors. If I lower the standards from ‘qualified for batting title’ players to those with 300 plate appearances… he’s still 5th worst (out of 147 players).
Remember how bad Matt Kemp was? He ranked 15th (though with 50% fewer innings).
The bat is real… the trick is whether Castellanos could be ‘hidden’ in the field. He was also 2nd worst in fielding range, which basically means that he doesn’t move. His presence would make both Inciarte and Acuna have to spread out further and run more, but… it’s at least a plausible ploy and a breakout bat (130 wRC+) could make up for the deficiency.
The Tigers are listening to trade offers for Nick Castellanos, with the Braves and Dodgers reportedly asking about the 26-year-old. They may trade him this week. pic.twitter.com/1VdldIDuic
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 11, 2018
I have no idea why the Dodgers would even inquire, but… okay. But if there’s a real rumor in the batch right now, this one is probably it.
Inciarte, Swanson
This news is the bit that might cause some consternation among fans. In fact, the reactions of my own wife and oldest daughter were not especially good. Here goes… first on Dansby Swanson:
Some teams that have inquired about Albies have found the discussion has shifted toward Swanson. But some within the Braves organization remain hesitant to move Swanson.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 11, 2018
Mark Bowman further went on to write that while the Braves are ‘hesitant’ to trade any of their major league assets, they might have to in order to actually produce a ‘difference making’ trade deal.
To that end, Bowman’s counterpart for the Reds notes interest that Cincinnati has in Ender Inciarte – particularly in the wake of their loss of Billy Hamilton.
Source -- #reds have talked to the Braves about CF Ender Inciarte. Nothing is imminent, however. Club is talking to a lot of teams/agents here .
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) December 11, 2018
I have no idea what the Braves would be interested in from Cincy… okay… maybe I do have an idea:
- Cincy swaps Scooter Gennett for Inciarte
- Ozzie Albies moves to shortstop
- Dansby Swanson is used for a trade somewhere
That’s pure speculation, but jives with the Bowman discussion above. However, Dave O’Brien is ready with the cold water shower:
Was told again today that #Braves not looking to subtract from MLB team, but add. Could see them moving a pitcher if they got another pitcher (e.g., moving Teheran if they got a frontline guy), but not a position player like Swanson.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2018
That’s probably good – Swanson, for all his troubles at the plate – is a true field general with outstanding instincts and much improved defense in 2018. I still feel that his bat will indeed come around, but certainly this is his home-town team and moving him this early in his still-developing career with be a big surprise.
Next. Trading Ender?. dark
With that… we will stop. Feel free to murmur among yourselves as Day 3 of the Winter Meetings gets underway.