Atlanta Braves: Offseason Free Agency Outlook

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Jun 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starter Jordan Zimmerman (27) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

STARTING PITCHERS

This past year we have seen the risk that comes with projecting prospects, especially pitchers (I’m looking at you Mike Foltynewicz). Despite the crop of young arms percolating down on the farm, I think it would be wise of the Atlanta Braves to go out and sign a more established innings eater with experience. This would ideally accompany the rotation into the new stadium and provide another consistent arm, allowing the younger guys to still develop and combat for the final two rotation spots (assuming Teheran doesn’t have a meltdown with a 25.00 road era and a 0.03 home era again).

Notable Free agents: David Price, Johnny Cueto, Zack Greinke (if he opts out), Mike Leake, Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Tim Lincecum, Mark Beurhle, Clay Buchholz, Scott Kazmir, and Jeff Samardzija.

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It is not characteristic of the Atlanta Braves to sign the biggest chip available at a position, and this year that chip is David Price. I’m sure Price (30) will command close to a 7 year deal and will likely be for between $140-210 million. That is very steep. I’m not saying that the Braves will or should shell out the dough, but if they were to ever do it, this would be the guy and the time. It would also give fans something to talk about and get excited for during a transitional phase, which after this season, might be valuable.

Johnny Cueto will command a similar tag, but has too much injury history to be worth the price. Moving on.

Aug 28, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Mike Leake (13) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Realistically, I would like to see the Braves pursue a second tier pitcher. Mike Leake (28) and Jordan Zimmermann (30) are both excellent candidates and could probably be had for 4-6 year deals. This move would demonstrate commitment to imminent contention.

Looking for potentially better bargains with more risk, Doug Fister (32) could also be a viable option. His regression this year from his stellar 2014 campaign has been significant. This will mean that his price will drop significantly, and he could be another Roger McDowell reclamation project.

Along similar lines is lefty Scott Kazmir (32) who is coming off of a second consecutive impressive campaign and seems to firmly reestablished himself as a productive MLB pitcher. Both guys would likely look to sign as close to 4 year deals as they could find, somewhere in the $48-70 million range.

Next: Better Arms to Secure More Wins

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