Atlanta Braves: Updated list of potential trade targets
By James Kunkle
Relief Targets
I think most would agree that relief pitching is where the Atlanta Braves need the most help. Much like Bumgarner, I’m going to omit Will Smith and Tony Watson from this piece. They are useful pieces we could need, but we have covered them here before. Here are some other options.
4. Ken Giles
So far in 2019, Ken Giles is pitching like he did in his early days in Philadelphia and Houston. He is racking up the strikeouts and allowing less than a runner an inning so far.
Some would worry about his potential attitude issues, but nothing ever seems to come of that in Atlanta.
I think he would slide in nicely into the closing/ninth inning spot in Atlanta and give them a little stability in the back of the pen.
5. Alex Colome
Alex Colome is in much of the same spot as Giles, closing for a team who is going nowhere this year.
I’m sure the White Sox would love to acquire a couple more young players and if they are dangling Colome, the Braves should have a little interest.
Averaging 9k/9 IP in 2019, and he has only allowed 7 hits in 17 IP so far. Colome too would bring stability to the closer role in Atlanta.
6. Amir Garrett
The one-time starter for the Reds, Amir Garrett is now thriving out of the bullpen. The left-hander has a strong fastball and could be used in high leverage late inning situations.
The bad news Braves fans probably don’t want to hear, though is that if there is any downfall to his pitching so far this year, its been the walks. He has 8 through 17 IP.
Still, the Braves should take a chance and see if the Reds would potentially move him.
7. Shane Greene
Detroit should be looking to still trade off any valuable assets they have. Shane Greene is one of those players.
Another option to fill out the back of the bullpen, Greene has been pretty dominant so far in 2019.
Having already accumulated 18 saves and, like the previous two closers mentioned, not allowing many base runners so far.