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

Outfield

Targets:  Nick Castellanos, A.J. Pollock, Michael Brantley, Nick Markakis… in that order.

If Realmuto is obtained via trade, then Pollock or Brantley jumps up in the pecking order since Castellanos would not necessarily be a cheap ‘get’ from Detroit (though he should be, given that he’s a 1 year rental).

Bullpen

One option that Atlanta is said to be considering is to use ‘extra starters’ in the bullpen.  Huh – sounds like a throwback to the 1960’s and 70’s… but it’s also a quite reasonable idea that also would be cheaper for the team.

Wrapping the Winter Meetings

More from Tomahawk Take

• Atlanta Braves 2012 Prospect Review: Joey Terdoslavich
• Braves News: Braves sign Fuentes, Andruw’s HOF candidacy, more
• The Weakest Braves Homers Since 2015
• Atlanta Braves Sign Joshua Fuentes to Minor League Deal
• Braves News: New Year’s Eve comes with several questions about the 2023 Braves

In total, I believe the Braves are comfortable with the idea of making one big trade, signing one bigger free agent, and possibly making a more minor trade to deal with their off-season needs.

Moving Teheran would allow a second free agent signing as needed.

The starting pitching market is quickly becoming weak, and thus if it’s not Kluber, Keuchel, or Gray… it could be nobody.  I wouldn’t expect Michael Fulmer (for instance) to become a target (in his case, I’m guessing Detroit want a chance to rebuild his value first).

I’m finally seeing confirmation in media reports that yes – Zack Greinke‘s no-trade provision is a major obstacle to dealing him as had been guessed.  Thus he’s not an option as AZ is looking to pull back and try to deal him after the next All-Star break rather than just be forced to take whatever the Braves might deign to offer.

So that’s the full rundown… we’ll have to wait and see which parts – if any – ultimately come to fruition in the coming weeks.  If it works?  This could be a special team in 2019.