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Atlanta Braves: Look into Jamie Garcia trade?

By Matthew Brothers

Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA;Atlanta Braves Jamie Garcia (54) pitches in the first inning of the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA;Atlanta Braves Jamie Garcia (54) pitches in the first inning of the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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After three fantastic starts, is it time for the Braves to look to deal Jamie Garcia while the going is good?

The initial trade for Jamie Garcia from St. Louis was one I personally had trouble understanding. In a deal which the Braves gave up three prospects (shocking right), I had trouble seeing the value. Jaime was coming off a 10-13 year with an ERA well over 4.00. His one year of control however, fit the theme the Braves were trying to model. Low risk and high reward. Worst case scenario, Jamie’s injury history caught up with him and the Braves were stuck with the contract. However, his performance so far gives the Braves multiple options to ponder until the July trade deadline.

If you look at Jaime’s last three starts, the numbers are incredible. At Suntrust, eight complete innings resulted in one earned run and an unfortunate losing effort. His west coast road trip ended in almost 14 innings thrown and no earned runs dropping his ERA to a team best 3.18. Jaime Garcia is the only vet doing what he was brought into do: eat innings. This is one reason why the Braves could be reluctant to deal him. However, a trade deal could provide a good return.

Possible Value….

I really think the Braves could get a good return if the decide to deal Garcia. However,  the timing has to be right. I expect Jamie to make his next start at least with the Braves but how long could they hold out? Most of the buzz heats up in July but holding out till then could be risky. Declining production is likely and even an injury is not out of the question. If the Braves want to deal Jaime, then they need to strike when the “iron is hot”. Honestly, Coppy should look for a return like the one for Lucas Harrell. Getting Travis Demeritte from the Rangers was an unbelievable coup and Jamie Garcia is simply a much better pitcher.

All in all, the Braves are in a good position, but time is of the essence. Any trade return might not net anything better than right now. With the one year deal and the Braves simply not a playoff team, I believe a trade is more likely than not. It’s simply a matter of time.

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