Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: now we wait for rumors to become real

Starting Pitching

Targets:  Corey Kluber, Dallas Keuchel… and at this point, that could be about it.  Sonny Gray is looking a bit too expensive.

• If the Braves fail to land Realmuto, they will likely make an immediate pivot toward Cleveland to try and get Kluber… using similar prospects.
• If they do get Realmuto, then they may choose to make an offer to Keuchel.
• If Kluber proves unattainable and Keuchel proves too costly, then perhaps engaging with the Yankees on Gray could still be done.
• After that… nothing.

Acquiring any of these top 3 names doesn’t make much sense unless Julio Teheran is dealt elsewhere:  the team would need to spin him off to help offset these other contracts… and to create a hole in the rotation for the new guy.

If Kluber is obtained, then Teheran might very well be part of the return package (with some cash), but even if not, he’d still need to be sent elsewhere.

Thus, my best guess on the plan for starting pitching on Opening Day would be…

• Kluber or Keuchel
• Foltynewicz
• Gausman
• Newcomb
• Toussaint or Soroka