An early look at which free agents Atlanta Braves could target
By James Kunkle
Madison Bumgarner
If you are expecting the old Madison Bumgarner, you will probably be disappointed. Let me say though, that the new Bumgarner is still a really good and effective pitcher.
It has also been reported that there are rumblings Bumgarner wants to return and pitch close to his North Carolina home.
Bumgarner would still become the #1 pitcher for the Braves in my estimation. He still threw over 200 innings last year and was just shy of a strikeout per inning.
The other side of that story is his road ERA last season was over 5.00. Most of his success came in the pitcher friendly park in San Francisco.
Still, expect Bumgarner’s name to be attached to Braves rumors this offseason.
Zack Wheeler
Could the Georgian born Zack Wheeler be coming to pitch for his hometown Braves? Certainly, a case could be made arguing for it and it is something I think the Braves will obviously consider.
A reliable piece any manager would love to insert in the middle of their rotation, you know what you are going to get with Zack Wheeler.
Around a strikeout per inning and right under 200 IP a season and someone who should win double-digit games easily.
Also, someone you could trust and hand the ball too in a big time game in October.
Dellin Betances
Dellin Betances has wicked stuff when he is healthy. But therin lies the problem as well. Betances didn’t make his 2019 debut until September, and he came out of that game with an Achilles injury after facing only two batters.
With that being said, their is a team that will take a chance on Betances, even if that means having to wait a month or two after the season starts to put him in the bullpen.
It will be interesting to see if the Atlanta Braves are one of the teams mentioned to have interest in the former New York Yankee.
Will Smith
Yet another free agent this year that was linked to the Atlanta Braves a ton before the trading deadline this past year.
Ultimately San Francisco held onto Will Smith and barring a mild surprise by offering him a qualifying offer, will get nothing in return for losing him.
We all know the Braves need bullpen help, and Smith can pitch in any circumstance out of the bullpen.
He has experience closing, setting up the closer, and middle relief.
For his versatility alone, and the fact he is just a good pitcher, I expect Will Smith to be linked to many teams this Winter.
Here’s to hoping one is the Atlanta Braves.
Cole Hamels
If the Braves choose to try and get a veteran starter on a 1 or 2-year deal at the most, then it will probably be Cole Hamel’s name attached the most to them.
Obviously, not quite the pitcher he was in his heyday with the Phillies, Hamels is still an effective starter.
Cole still gets punchouts and manages to have low numbers, but his problem has always been with the free pass.
Certainly, the Braves and their fans have seen enough walks to cover a lifetime these past few seasons, would they be willing to bring Cole in and possibly see more of them?