Atlanta Braves acquire Zach Quintana, send away Kyle Wren

It wasn’t the “big splash” that many fans of the Atlanta Braves are clamoring for, but on Friday, the team executed a trade that featured a name that you probably recognize. The Braves have sent minor league outfielder Kyle Wren, who is the son of exiled general manager Frank Wren, to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for young right-hander Zach Quintana

This is a bit of an odd trade for multiple reasons, but the first of which is that many had (relatively) high hopes for Wren. The 23-year-old outfielder stole 46 bases across two levels in 2014, and despite a lack of power at the plate, many feel as if Wren has a Major League future using his legs and defensive acumen.

However, it shouldn’t be overly surprising to see the organization send Wren elsewhere, as his father was jettisoned amid reports of discomfort in the front office. It is unfortunate to see a deal in which the Braves appear to be “selling low” on Wren, but that is apparently where we are.

On the Atlanta side, Zach Quintana is a 20-year-old right-hander who has been back and forth from starting to relieving in the minor leagues. Control has been a problem for Quintana, as he has walked more than 4 batters per 9 innings in each minor league stop, but there also appears to be an “upside” limitation, given an ERA landing in the 6.00 range.

From an outsider’s point of view, this seems to be a way to send Kyle Wren away for little return, and hopefully, his presence will not come back to bite the Atlanta Braves.