4 high-leverage arms the Braves should already be targeting before trade deadline
By Jacob Mountz
Jason Adam
Adam might not have a triple-digit fastball like Miller but his four-pitch mix achieves a similar result. Currently a relief pitcher for the Rays, his four-seamer averages in the mid-90s. He offsets it with his sweeper, slider, and changeup. His best year was 2022 with 63.1 IP, a 1.56 ERA, and 75 K. With elite-level numbers like that, you’d think his name would be used more often. Last year’s numbers weren’t as stellar, but still very good.
Adam threw 54.1 innings with an ERA of 2.98. It is fair to mention that Adam was injured twice last year which could have affected his performance even though it was good. This year, Adam has a 1.50 ERA through 12 innings of work with 9 Ks. He owns a career 3.12 ERA which includes his abysmal numbers from his debut year in 2018. Before 2022, he hadn’t pitched 40 innings in a single season but, since 2018, he has been very dominant. For the past two years and so far this year, he has kept opponent's batting averages under .190 (under .150 in 2022 and this year).
Jason Adam executed some clutch pitches in his 11th inning duel with Mike Trout last night! 🎯#MLBCentral | @RaysBaseball pic.twitter.com/RsdXjfV35j
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 17, 2024
The real questions here are if the Rays would trade him and for what. The Rays are currently a .500 team but are still last in the AL East. They have enough talent to repair their mediocre record, but returning to contention may prove an elusive goal.
The Rays have recently parted with some notable players over the past couple of years including Tyler Glasnow, so trading Adam isn’t out of the question. Adam will be a free agent after the 2026 season. The relatively short time horizon might mean the Rays’ are more willing to trade him. The price for Adam won’t likely be the price of a star reliever so, if the Rays are willing to make a deal, the Braves won’t need to part with an extensive package of talent.
Acquiring a potential star reliever without the premium price tag could give the Braves the added flexibility their bullpen may need in the postseason without draining their farm system. If they can score Adam, they will be in a very good position in October and the next few years.