The Atlanta Braves are off again today but are active on the hot-list of teams in trade speculation discussions.
We know the Atlanta Braves have needs if they want to go deep into postseason play, and with the trade deadline only 11 days away, trades are a hot topic. Earlier today, Alan discussed the rules for this year’s deadline, and Seth followed with a list of ten targets he felt made sense for Atlanta.
Jim Bowden chimed in with a post in The Athletic (subscription required), giving a trade for each team in the AL East and NL East.
On MLB Central this morning, JP Morosi mentioned a pitching option he believed fit the Braves needs, and later, Mark DeRosa offered up his own, somewhat surprising, trade package.
Since everyone seems to want to discuss the Braves and offer their suggestions, it seems only fair that we consider the validity of their recommendations, so let’s do that, starting with Morosi’s comment.
Atlanta Braves + Taijuan Walker
In his early segment on MLB, Central Morosi said that the Braves seemed a nice match for Seattle’s Taijuan Walker.
Walker began his career as a Mariner in 2013 and pitched well for them through 2016 when Seattle sent him along with Ketel Marte to Arizona for Zac Curtis, Mitch Haniger, and Jean Segura.
Walker made 28 starts for the Snakes in 2017, but forearm inflammation forced him on the IL in March of 2018. The inflammation turned into UCL replacement surgery that cost him the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
The Diamondbacks non-tendered Walker in December of 2019, and he signed back with the Mariners in February of this year. In his five starts so far, he’s thrown 27 innings, striking out 25 and walking eight.
Walker’s been better than those numbers indicate. Like many, he had a rough start after summer camp, but he’s been improving as he added innings.
Walker on the bump
Walker’s first start lasted only 3-1/3 innings as he gave up five runs to Houston. Next time out, he went seven, one-hit, shutout innings against AL West-leading Oakland, striking out eight and walking two while throwing 94 pitches.
His next outing against the Angels lasted 3-2/3 innings before walks led to a four-run fourth and his early shower. Six days later, he threw six innings against Texas, allowing six hits and one run, and last night he threw seven, four-hit innings against the Dodgers.
Unfortunately, three of those hits were solo homers from Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, and Cody Bellinger.
Walker isn’t a number one starter, but that’s not what the Braves need. The Braves need pitchers who throw strikes and don’t give up free passes. Walker averages over five innings a start, and walked just eight in 27 innings; three of those came in one game.
He’s on an inexpensive one-year deal – $740K in adjusted payroll- with about $320K remaining. It’s hard to see the Mariners demanding a lot for him, particularly if – as I’ve mentioned before – we take Kyle Seager and his contract as well (which solves another issue for Atlanta).