General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has mentioned some trade conversations have been based on players not discussed in the media. We are going to take a look at one here that could be a possibility for the Atlanta Braves.
We all know that the big two targets have yet to sign this winter and let’s face it, Spring Training is approaching. No, this is not another the Braves need Bryce Harper article, but he will tie into this. We also, all know many Atlanta Braves fans are wondering what the front office is doing and why do we sit here almost in Spring Training with a lower payroll than last year.
The Braves seem to want to keep the majority of the team’s prospects while still trying to contend this year. One way to do that at this point would be maybe acquiring a high-priced veteran and not having to trade away much at all besides taking on salary.
What I’m proposing is Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos and Chicago Cubs President of Baseball operations get on the phone and work out a deal for Cubs pitcher Jon Lester.
Yes, Jon Lester is old in baseball terms (actually younger than Zack Greinke, though), but he’s still a quality Major League pitcher. His numbers have dropped off some in the last few years but again, he is still one of the better pitchers in the National League.
In 2018, Lester went 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA finishing 9th in Cy Young Voting. He also was an All-Star pitcher, a spot fans don’t vote on. He did, however, have a pretty disastrous 2017 season but that followed a 2016 season where he was superb, finishing 2nd in Cy Young Voting. One last note on his 2018 season, Lester’s Runs Above Average was 17, which puts him still in the upper class of pitchers.
Now, let’s get down to how this would possibly work out and why the Cubs might be interested in doing so. First off, we have all seen the rumors and reports that the Cubs are basically maxed out at their spending level. With that being said, we all know and are pretty sure they would love to have Bryce Harper. By trading away Lester, they would clear Lester’s 2019 salary of $27.5 million off the books. With that number gone, I’m sure the Cubs would find some way to be able to offer Bryce a contract.
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On the flip side, if the Braves were taking that salary on, and I’m sure they would know the Cubs intentions beforehand, they most likely wouldn’t have to offer much up. I’m thinking maybe 2 of the 11-20 prospect range for the Braves. After all, even though it was a different regime, the Braves have shown interest in Lester before.
The Cubs would basically be trading Jon Lester for Bryce Harper and a couple of fringe prospects. I don’t think they would say no, especially given that they would still have Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, and Mike Montgomery in its rotation.
Now, I mentioned Lester’s 2019 salary earlier. In 2020, it does go down to $20 million, and in 2021 he has a team option at $25 million with a $10 million buyout. That option does vest if he pitches 200 innings in 2020 or 400 innings combined in 2019 and 2020. Being honest, I think the Braves wouldn’t allow either to happen.
So probably a longshot at best, but its something that I wouldn’t mind and something that wouldn’t take much on the Atlanta Braves part to do. Let us know how you would feel about this down below. Is this something you would avoid at all costs or actually pursue?