Atlanta Braves: To Buy Or Not To Buy
As the 2017 July, 31st non-waiver trade deadline inches closer, the Atlanta Braves have decisions to make on whether they want to buy or sell.
Upon entering the 2017 campaign, the majority of fans and experts around baseball didn’t see the Atlanta Braves in contention this year. However, as we approach the All-Star break, Atlanta (41-43) finds themselves in second place in the NL East, and just 7 games off the pace in the NL Wildcard race.
That being said, logically, any fan would beg to question whether or not Atlanta should consider doing some buying at the trade deadline, as opposed to selling, which has been the case the past three years. Regardless of which path they take, the Braves have a lot of options to mull over.
How about a little of both?
If Atlanta does any selling, Starting Pitcher Jaime Garcia is the most likely to be dealt. Garcia, 30 (31 tomorrow), is in the last year of his contract, and chances are slim that Atlanta will resign him. Garcia has hit a rough patch of late, pitching to a (2-7) record this year with a 4.55 ERA.
If Atlanta does acquire a front-line starter before the deadline, it would make more sense trading Garcia, rather than taking away a spot in the rotation from rookie, Sean Newcomb.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that the Braves are open to trading Julio Teheran. Teheran holds a record of (6-6) this year with a 5.14 ERA. In 96 1/3 innings of work, he has struck out 70 batters. While Teheran is certainly having a down year, he has been with Atlanta from the start, and I can’t see Atlanta trading him if they decide to add another starter.
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
The hardest part will come in the form of buying for Atlanta. The Braves are going to be looking for a starter who has multiple years remaining of contractual control. While there will be fierce competition from many clubs who are looking for the same thing, Atlanta will have the upper hand in resources.
With one of, if not the best, farm systems in all of baseball, General Manager John Coppolella will have to decide on how much he is willing to give up to improve Atlanta’s rotation.
Two weeks ago, David O’ Brien of the AJC wrote a story on the Braves interest in trading for a starter, and to nobody’s surprise, Chris Archer, Jose Quintana, and Sonny Gray sit atop their wish list.
Chris Archer:
Archer is perhaps one of the most coveted pitchers being discussed amongst teams this month, and what’s not to like? He’s a great clubhouse guy, and he has stellar numbers on the year. Archer is sitting at (7-5) on the year, with a 3.95 ERA, with 139 strikeouts over 116 1/3 innings pitched.
The problem with trying to acquire a guy like Archer is it will cost Atlanta a fortune, and on top of that, he may not even be available. The Rays (45-42), are very much alive in both races, sitting at 4.5 games back in the AL East and half a game back in the Wild Card. The earliest Archer can become a free agent is in 2020.
Jose Quintana:
Quintana, in my opinion, is the most realistic chance the Braves have at acquiring an ace. He has struggled a bit this year, posting a (4-8) record, with a 4.55 ERA over 99 innings pitched, recording 99 strikeouts.
Fans shouldn’t worry too much, however, considering the fact that in his career, Quintana has never finished with an ERA over 4. In fact, his highest ERA (3.76) came in his rookie year in 2012.
O’Brien also mentioned his story that Quintana and Braves pitcher Julio Teheran are friends, and his presence might help aid Teheran, who has struggled mightily in his first year pitching at Sun Trust Park. The earliest Jose can hit free agency is in 2019.
Sonny Gray:
The Nashville native is one the Braves have had their eye on for quite some time. Gray is (4-4) on the year with an even 4 ERA. In 78 2/3’s innings, he has fanned 74 batters. Gray, 27, is a free agent in 2019. The Braves could probably acquire Sonny for the smallest package of the three and still be adding a deadly arm to their rotation.
The trade deadline is like Christmas in July for most fans, myself included. This year I believe that Braves fans will be celebrating very soon.