Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran in D-Backs’ trade talks
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Braves continue their trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks, including RHP Julio Teheran. Braves also want free agent C Tyler Flowers.
The Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks are talking up a storm in Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee during this week’s MLB Winter Meetings. Both parties want a coveted asset of the other.
Arizona, who after signing RHP Zack Greinke are looking to contend in 2016, feel that they need another front-line starter like the Atlanta Braves’ Shelby Miller to get them over the top. Atlanta, who traded CF Cameron Maybin to the Detroit Tigers a few weeks ago, really want some help in the outfield and are targeting the Diamondbacks’ A.J. Pollock. Arizona doesn’t want to trade Pollock and there lies the current issue.
-= Related: Jose Ramirez: Looking at Braves’ newest acquisition =-
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Atlanta Braves have now thrown Julio Teheran’s name into the mix as a possible top-line starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks to consider.
The #Braves and Dbacks have continued to discuss deals that could include Miller or Teheran. AZ remains hesitant to move Pollock.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 7, 2015
Both Miller and Teheran have made NL All-Star squads, but Teheran has been the more consistent pitcher the last few seasons over Miller. Perhaps Teheran’s name would stand as a sufficient piece for the Diamondbacks to send Pollock to Atlanta.
More from Braves Rumors
- Atlanta Braves Should Take a Chance on Matt Harvey
- Braves Need To Move Quickly To Lock Up Pitchers They Want
- Atlanta Braves Should Bring Mike Minor Back to Atlanta in Blockbuster Trade
- Braves In Talks With Kimbrel and Keuchel
- Atlanta Braves Waiting All-Star Game Confirmation
Sources close to the league say that Atlanta won’t part ways with either starter unless they can get some type of promising young position player like A.J. Pollock. It’s interesting that the Atlanta Braves would trade the former No. 1 overall prospect entering the 2011 MLB season in Julio Teheran.
Teheran is a proven big lead starter, however, he at times has not seen eye-to-eye with Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell and that could explain Teheran’s sudden availability in these trade talks with Arizona.
Mark Bowman also reports that the Atlanta Braves would like to sign free agent catcher Tyler Flowers, who last played with the Chicago White Sox. Flowers is a former battery mate with Atlanta backstop A.J. Pierzynski who signed a one-year deal to return to Atlanta in 2016.
The #Braves are continuing to pursue Tyler Flowers to share the catching duties with A.J. Pierzynski.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 7, 2015
Reportedly, the Atlanta Braves are growing tired of once-promising catching prospect Christian Bethancourt‘s lack of development behind the plate. Bethancourt’s strong arm behind the dish was the reason Atlanta let Brian McCann walk after the 2013 MLB season and why the Braves traded Evan Gattis to the Houston Astros for right-hander Mike Foltynewicz before the start of last season.
Next: Atlanta Braves won't back down from Miller asking price
Atlanta is at its best when it has both a strong starter behind the plate and a great handler of pitchers from the backup backstop. Pierzynski did very well in extended playing time in 2015, but at 39 years old, he may need more help from his backup than he did last year. Flowers’ familiarity with Pierzynski could help develop some continuity in how the catching staff chooses to call games in 2016.