House That Hank Built
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7 starting pitchers the Atlanta Braves should consider trading for

By James Kunkle

Atlanta Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino was one of the few relivers with a solid walk rate.The rotation also walked far to many batters. As a result The Braves are looking for a new pitching coach.(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino was one of the few relivers with a solid walk rate.The rotation also walked far to many batters. As a result The Braves are looking for a new pitching coach.(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 27: Mike Leake #8 of the Seattle Mariners pitches the ball in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 27, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 27: Mike Leake #8 of the Seattle Mariners pitches the ball in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 27, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

7. Mike Leake

No, the Atlanta Braves have not been linked to Mike Leake at all this season. I simply put Leake on this list because I’m almost 100 percent sure the Mariners will deal him this month.

The one promising thing about acquiring Leake would be that I’m sure the Mariners would eat a ton of his salary so he may come on the cheap.

However, I would hope the Braves have no interest in Leake because — let’s face it — he is not an upgrade over any of the rotation or players we currently have waiting in the minors.

I mentioned the salary earlier, and to compound on that some, Leake is signed through the 2020 season and has a mutual option for 2021 or a $5 million buyout.

So basically, whatever team acquires Leake will be paying him $5 million to go back on the open market after next year.

Two main sticking points from Leake’s stat line jump out at me and those are he only has 83 strikeouts in 115 innings pitched and he has allowed 23 home runs already.

The only real positive about possibly acquiring Leake is that he will add a veteran to the rotation to help eat some innings down the stretch to allow some of those young guys to help out in the bullpen and save their innings.

Here’s to hoping the Braves will take a pass.

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