No team ever has enough starting pitching. Not even the Atlanta Braves who probably have 8 to 10 pitchers right now who could start for them. Let’s try and add 1 more big name before July 31st.
Whispers have arose out of Cleveland that they are growing more probable to move one of the teams highly regarded starting pitchers with the most likely being Trevor Bauer. Bauer is also probably the best of the bunch.
Now before we get started, I know some of you will probably say why trade prospects for another starting pitcher when you have already said we have multiple options “in house” already. I will tell you why….
There is a difference in a mid rotation starter and a front of the line starter. Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable having a quartet of Dallas Keuchel, Mike Soroka, Trevor Bauer, and (hopefully) a 2018 version of Mike Foltynewicz going into a playoff series? Especially against the Dodgers?
Trevor Bauer could put this team from right behind the Dodgers to the only National League team that could beat the Dodgers in a playoff series.
Not too mention the bullpen would benefit from having Max Fried, Julio Teheran, and Sean Newcomb available to come out and get some outs in a series.
Last note before we get what it would take to get Bauer, he himself is not a rental as he comes with another year and a half of team control. So keep that in mind when you read what prospects I would be willing to surrender to get Bauer in Atlanta.
So here goes nothing
We all know Cleveland needs outfielders and every team needs young pitching prospects. Turns out Atlanta has both of those readily available.
Quick note – Obviously the Braves would most likely be interested in Brad Hand as well but I’m not sure the Braves front office would want to unload many more prospects that would need to be involved in such a deal.
Yes it would sting losing those three players, but this deal would allow us to keep Chrisitan Pache, and other top prospects that the Braves currently occupy in the minors.
Besides, a potential sub 3.00 ERA pitcher who averages more than a strikeout per inning doesn’t – and shouldn’t – come cheap.
The long ball has been Bauer’s problem this year as he has already allowed 13 this year. However, most of those were early in the season when he was slow getting out of the gate.
One hurdle we haven’t discussed though is, will Cleveland still be willing to deal him while they chase a playoff spot. I tend to the ‘yes’ side for a couple of reasons.
- They seem to be playing that middle ground of trying to compete while restocking the shelves at the same time
- Minnesota is running away with the division.
Yes, Cleveland is right in the middle of the AL Wild card chase, but that shouldn’t keep them from trying to plan for the future.
So yes, my July move would be trying to acquire Trevor Bauer. A rotation of Bauer, Keuchel, Soroka, and Foltynewicz (again: if his form is regained) would make the Braves the favorites in the NL. Yes, even over the Dodgers.
Is this something you would like to see the Braves pursue or no? Let us know in the comments below.