Braves Trade Gosselin To D-Backs For Arroyo, Toussaint

Last night, the Atlanta Braves traded UT Phil Gosselin to the Arizona Diamondbacks for SP Bronson Arroyo and RHP Touki Toussaint. The Braves and Snakes have been frequent trade partners the last few seasons (Justin Upton–Martin Prado trade, Trevor Cahill deal, etc.). In an interesting trade scenario, both teams moved players that are currently on the DL. Gosselin is still recovering from a broken thumb after making a diving stop at third base for the Braves over a month ago. Arroyo is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

So why did these two teams make this deal when two of the players involved can’t play right away at any level? Atlanta covets young, talented starting pitching. Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart has done a marvelous job rebuilding Atlanta’s depleted farm system. He has made it a priority to stockpile top-tier arms in the Minor Leagues. And he wanted Toussaint, a former first-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Since President of Baseball Operations Tony La Russa and GM Dave Stewart have taken over Arizona’s front office, the Snakes are trying to rid themselves of bad contracts that have hamstrung the team. Bronson Arroyo rarely missed a start in his long career with the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. But since joining the Diamondbacks, Arroyo has spent almost all his time on the DL for the Snakes, electing to undergo Tommy John Surgery in July 2014.

So Hart was willing to take on Arroyo’s big contract to acquire Toussaint. Though Bronson Arroyo could pitch out of the Braves’ bullpen as early as August, this deal was all about getting Touki Toussaint.

Touki was the number 14 overall selection in the 2014 MLB Draft. Atlanta had their eyes on acquiring Toussaint for several weeks now. The native Floridian has a mid-90’s fastball with decent numbers in Single-A (2-2, 3.69 ERA in 7 starts). Hart and Assistant GM John Coppolella believe that Toussaint has a bright and promising future with the Braves. Atlanta should feel excited about getting another Top 100 Prospect (#71) according to Baseball America in their farm system.

It will still be a few years before the Braves see Touki Toussaint pitching in SunTrust Park. However, I do believe that Bronson Arroyo can help the Atlanta pitching staff when he is able to come back from his surgery. I’ve admired Arroyo from afar during his time with the Reds. The guy was an outstanding pitcher in Cincinnati, almost always pitching over 200 innings in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Until his arm troubles with the Snakes, Arroyo was one of the NL’s most reliable starting pitchers.

John Hart continues to craft masterful under the radar trades. Essentially by taking on Bronson Arroyo’s contract, Atlanta was able to steal Arizona’s top draft pick of last season. The Braves typically are reluctant to take on large salaries in trades as a mid-market franchise, but I do think that this deal with the Diamondbacks seems worth it. Welcome to Atlanta, Bronson and Touki!

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