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Atlanta Braves: Should Trade Mike Foltynewicz

By Kit Anderson

Mar 27, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) throws a pitch during the first inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) throws a pitch during the first inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves have had a very rough start to the season, Mike Foltynewicz has been a part of those struggles. The young right-hander has struggled in his first start and in a bullpen appearance in Miami.

Mike Foltynewicz is currently the fifth starter in the Braves rotation and despite his struggles seems to maintain high expectations. Those high expectations are a bit misplaced considering the righty has shown little to instill the faith fans and the organization seems to have in his velocity.

His early season struggles may not be enough to encourage a trade if you were simply looking at this year but considering his past health and inability to pitch deep in games now is the time to trade Foltynewicz while he still maintains a bit of starter value.

The longer the Braves wait the older Foltynewicz will get the more he will struggle as a starter and the further down his value will drop. Allowing Foltynewicz to continue to start may not hurt a franchise that is not in postseason contention this season but it will also allow a potential top trading piece lose value.

Folynewicz still has value on the trade market because of his velocity and as all baseball couch scouts know velocity= value and potential. The 25-year old starters now has a career 4.95 ERA and is yet to stay healthy or stay in a Major League rotation for a full season.

The Braves farm system is full of exciting young talent that should soon displace “Folty” from the rotation with that foresight the Braves should be maneuvering to move Mike to a team that believes in his long term potential.

Next: Braves Previewing the lineup

The longer the Braves wait the less value that Mike Foltynewicz is going to carry and the lower fans expectations will become.  Now is the time to trade Foltynewicz.

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