The Hot Stove is starting to simmer a little bit as the Atlanta Braves have been linked to a starting pitcher more than they ever have.
According to a report from NBC Sports Bay Area, the Atlanta Braves have made former San Francisco Giants starting pitcher, Madison Bumgarner, “a priority” this offseason.
In the story written by Alex Pavolic, league sources said the Braves “plan to quickly communicate” their interest to the four-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion.
This really is not much of a surprise considering the Braves were rumored to be interested in Bumgarner last summer before the Giants decided to hang on to their veterans in hopes of winning a wild card.
Bumgarner is also from North Carolina, so the “coming home” appeal also makes this report seem plausible.
It was a decent 2019 campaign for Bumgarner, going 9-9 with a 3.90 ERA. He did, however, lead the National League in games started and his K/BB ratio was 203/43.
With Julio Teheran’s option being declined and Dallas Keuchel likely leaving via free agency, the Braves have at least one open spot in their rotation.
Bumgarner would be a veteran, stabilizing force in a rotation with youngsters Mike Soroka, Max Fried and presumably Mike Foltynewicz, but at what cost?
MLB Trade Rumors projects Bumgarner’s contract to be four years, $72 million, which seems perhaps a bit high for a player who has dealt with injuries, albeit freak ones, in 2017 and 2018.
Whoever signs Bumgarner will have to part with draft pick compensation, as the Giants made him a qualifying offer earlier this week.
The Braves have not shown a willingness to part with draft picks recently, so in that regard, signing someone with a QO attached does not make a ton of sense.
But Alex Anthopoulos has made it known the Braves will make a big move when they feel they are one piece away — whether that is a free agent or moving top prospects in a trade.
But is Bumgarner that one piece? We will see.