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Atlanta Braves: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2019 season

By Matthew Browning

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: The Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: The Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: Kyle Wrright #73 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after giving up a solo home run to Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets in the eighth inning on September 26,2018 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. No trade for a starting pitcher

There are still several days of Spring Training left, but Bryce Wilson (1.86), Max Fried (3.48), Kyle Wright (3.00) and Touki Toussaint (6.30, but it’s really not nearly that bad) have already impressed many with their performances so far.

Now, as I typed this, Kevin Gausman is getting shelled by the Nationals while not managing to throw above 87 miles per hour, so that adds to the concern over the lack of a bona fide ace, but I think the Braves will just go with the youngsters.

Staff ace Mike Foltynewicz has been dealing with arm troubles this spring and the workout setbacks he’s suffered appear to be keeping him out of action until sometime in early May.

Sean Newcomb is primed for a Folty of 2018-type improvement (if he can get the walk rate back under control) and the incumbent Julio Teheran (3.87 ERA this Spring) is still around.

Luiz Gohara and Patrick Weigel are also waiting in the weeds, with an outside shot Kyle Muller or Ian Anderson makes it to Atlanta this summer.

In total, there are 7 pitchers who have already started games for the Braves this Spring, and at least another half-dozen who are capable of doing so at the major league level in an emergency situation.

See what I am getting at?  Options exist!

I think the Braves let the kids pitch and improve the team in some other way.  Never mind the fact that it’s really too late to add a starting pitcher who hasn’t already been playing in Spring games and getting his work in with a team.

Let’s talk now about how that might happen…

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