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Atlanta Braves: Assessing the Shelby Miller, Jason Heyward Trade

By Matthew Schoettler

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Nearly nine months ago to the day, the Atlanta Braves made a huge splash in the trade market by trading prized outfielder Jason Heyward. Braves fans were quick to react to the trade that sent Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the Cardinals for Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.

Jason Heyward was one of the Braves stalwarts and arguably one of the best defensive outfielders in the game; while, Jordan Walden was a key piece in the bullpen. The Braves acquired Shelby Miller, who was coming off a pedestrian 2014 season with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. However, the season before he posted stellar numbers, including a 15-9 W/L record with a 3.06 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.

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In addition to the Atlanta Braves acquiring Shelby Miller, they also acquired one of the Cardinals’ top prospects Tyrell Jenkins. Jenkins performed well for the Cardinals in 2014, splitting time between Rookie League and Single-A Advanced (2.22 ERA and 3.28 ERA respectively). Jenkins has since quickly climbed up the ranks and finds himself currently with Triple-A Gwinnett. He projects as a middle-to-top of the rotation arm with nice upside.

“It’s very difficult to trade Heyward, but the deal was made to help us not only in the short term, but also in the long term as we move forward.” – John Hart

With the Atlanta Braves having shipped Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden, the team was able to shed roughly $10 million in expiring contracts while gaining young arms with several years of club control. Jason Heyward will become a free agent after the 2015 season, and the Braves needed to act fast unless the wanted to see him leave the club due to free agency. However, the Braves would have received a compensation draft pick if they were unable to sign him.

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Shelby Miller has become the club’s ace (2.48 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through 23 starts), usurping Julio Teheran as the go-to option. Moreover since the Atlanta Braves were able to shed the contracts of Walden and Heyward, this allowed the team to go sign Atlanta native Nick Markakis, who has comparable defensive metrics to Heyward and can hit for average (.301/.372/.379 slash line).

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Jason Heyward has been a solid player for the Cardinals, hitting nine home runs while supporting a .286/.343/.427 slash line. He’s also been active on the base paths too, swiping 18 bags in 20 attempts. Jordan Walden, through 12 games, was on pace to have a great season (0.87 ERA and 1.06 WHIP), however, right biceps inflammation derailed his strong start.

The Cardinals traded two key pieces of their organization for one-year rentals, essentially. All in all, the Atlanta Braves were able to shed expiring, expensive contracts for young arms with years of club control. If the Cardinals have any hope in trying to salvage the trade, they will need to at least re-sign Heyward. It is safe to say that the Braves won this deal, although hindsight is 20/20.

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