What About The Rotation?
The Santander deal doesn’t significantly affect the rotation, and I think Darius Vines will turn out as good or better than Elder. Saying that, Eduardo Rodriguez looks like a viable signing for the Braves.
In an interview after the deadline this year, GM Alex Anthopoulos said that they had a call with five minutes left before the deadline about a pitcher they’d discussed, but the teams didn’t have time to finalize that deal. I believe the pitcher in that deal was Rodriguez.
The Braves met all of his requirements: an East Coast team in the pennant race. He pitches at 31 next year and will get something around four years and $72M, which isn’t unreasonable for what he brings to the table. If Elder is still around, he slides down to the fourth spot, with Vines and others vying for the remaining slot. If Elder’s gone, there are other trade pieces to consider, but that’s a conversation for another day.
That’s a Wrap
I’d like to see Arozarena in left field for Atlanta because he fits best. He’s a good teammate, with enough swag to be fun to watch without becoming obnoxious, and most of all, because he loves it when the lights get brightest.
Trading Elder doesn’t bother me. I’m sure he overachieved most of the season, and what we saw at the end is who he is. At his best, he’s a fifth starter on a good team, and I think the Braves can do better.