Atlanta Braves mailbag looks at breakout candidates and a Kris Bryant trade
By Fred Owens
Atlanta Braves and another new starter?
The rotation poses seemed Anthopoulos’ biggest challenge for 2020. Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, and Max Fried look like favorites for starting roles, and today they added veteran Cole Hamels. That leaves one rotation spot open for a spring training competition or another lesser free agent signing, and Ken Rosenthal says the Atlanta Braves aren’t out on Madison Bumgarner yet.
Hamels taking physical today. Per source, #Braves’ decision to sign him doesn’t take them out of Bumgarner, but reflects market for him and others might exceed their comfort level. ATL signed Hamels for $18M, right around qualifying offer. Can give him actual QO at end of season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2019
Reports this week said Madison Bumgarner has an offer from the Twins, but a) wants to stay in the NL where he can hit and b) wants to be closer to home. That fits the narrative making the Atlanta Braves favorites to sign him and could indicate a willingness to take less money to achieve those desires. The Hamels signing says that isn’t the case.
The Braves pivoted to Cole Hamels as prices went up. If Braves add another pitcher now, it’s likely through a trade for someone like Matthew Boyd, Joe Musgrove, or Jon Gray.