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Jose Fernandez: Trade Target for Braves?

By Jonathan Savitske

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Jose Fernandez is one the best young starting pitchers in the majors, and is the ace of the Miami Marlins pitching staff.

Throughout his young career, Jose Fernandez has put on display his excellent repetoire of pitches, frustrating hitters from around the league. Recently, trade rumors are circulating that the Marlins may in fact decide to part with their start pitcher because of his demonstrated immaturity at times.

-= Related: Atlanta Braves: Time to Trade Surplus of Young Pitching? =-

Last season, Jose Fernandez recorded a 2.92 ERA, and has a sub-3.00 ERA in all 3 of his major league seasons. His lifetime ERA is an astounding 2.40 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP.

Andy Slater, a Miami sports radio host, reported that the Marlins front-office is not happy with Jose Fernandez’s behavior as of late. Slater states:

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"“Jose talks to management like they are children,” another player source told me. I’ve now learned, it goes beyond that. On at least two occasions in the Marlins clubhouse this season, Fernandez approached (president of baseball operations Mike) Hill — according to multiple player sources — and openly said “when are you going to trade me?” There were times this season where, not all, but some players and coaches hoped Jose would go out on the mound and get shelled,” a player source told me. “We thought it would get him to be more humble.”"

ESPN.com’s David Schoenfield writes that there is basis for the Jose Fernandez trade rumors, and it’s not just “typical hot stove fodder”. Fernandez is clearly not happy playing in Miami, and the front-office is not keen on retaining the star pitcher’s services. Now that Jose Fernandez seems available on the trade market, would the Atlanta Braves front-office consider a trade for the ace?

Given the Atlanta Braves penchant for making trades over the past year, I would not rule out a potential trade for Jose Fernandez. He’s a top of the line starter with major league experience, and his age and skill-set fit in with what John Hart and John Coppolella envision for the team. Of course his recent behavior is worrisome; but the Miami Marlins always have some degree of melodrama, and his actions are possibly exaggerated. 

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The Atlanta Braves want to rebuild around top of the line pitching, like they did in the early 1990’s. Jose Fernandez is exactly what they are looking for, but he would not come cheap. The Marlins would most likely ask for a king’s ransom in exchange for Fernandez’s services. Luckily, the Braves have a stable full of young and talented pitching prospects to part with.

Of course, there is also an argument against why the Braves should pursue a trade for Jose Fernandez. His behavior (if true) is concerning, and he would have less amount of team control than other young prospects within the organization. If the Atlanta Braves are striving for long-term control of their players, Fernandez is probably not what they are looking for.

Next: Cameron Maybin Traded to Tigers

Regardless, it’s certain that the addition of Jose Fernandez to the Braves would signal that the team is not tanking next season and is trying to field a competitive squad. For a club that will struggle to sell tickets for Turner Field’s final season as home of the Braves in 2016, a transaction involving Jose Fernandez may alleviate any furor that exists in the minds of the Braves faithful right now. It’s a long offseason, so keep it here for ongoing updates.

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