Atlanta Braves: Two top starting pitchers that might be available

Jon Gray

Before the 2016 season, Jon Gray was the 37th best prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America.

In his first full year in the bigs in 2017, Gray went 10-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 10 starts.

While last season was a regression, Gray has emerged this season as a top of the rotation starter for the Rockies.

He is 9-7 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.388 WHIP, 124 strikeouts to 45 walks, an ERA plus of 130, and a WAR of 3.3

Since June 1st, Gray has nine starts and carries a 5-2 record with a 2.92 ERA during that span.

The Rockies have just one prospect listed on The Board!, so it might make sense to add to their prospect pool by trading Gray.

Gray’s value on Baseball Trade Value is 51.2, so while it might not take as much as it would to acquire Castillo, there would still be multiple top 10 pieces going to Colorado.

So here it is:

Parting with Ian Anderson would be difficult, but he would certainly have to be included in a deal for Gray.

Conclusion

There is no doubt either one of these starters would greatly impact the rotation and further enhance the Atlanta Braves chances to win a championship.

There is a fine line between going for it with trades and valuing your most elite prospects. It is oftentimes difficult to determine where that line is.

But if it meant acquiring Castillo or Gray, all but Pache would be in the mix for me.

Remember, parades are more fun than prospects.