Atlanta Braves Five Trades They Should Make Before Spring Training

1. The Braves Last Chance to Trade Mike Foltynewicz with Value

Velocity seems to cover many things in baseball including how long both management and fans are willing to put up with poor production. Mike Folynewicz can throw lightning bolts no one is going to argue with that.

There is also no arguing that Folty has yet to deliver a full season that is anything close to productive. He has stayed hurt or maintained an ugly ERA and unable to last in games. Another Braves pitcher Julio Teheran had one comparable season last year after putting together three great seasons and many fans are clamoring for Teheran to be dealt.

My point? The biggest differences in Folty and Teheran are the facts that Teheran has had good seasons in the past and Folty has outstanding velocity. Like the homerun ball fans love to watch radar guns light up. If that is all you are looking for Mike Folynewicz is your guy. When you look a bit closer however, you will see a consistent inability to pitch late in games or truly pitch at all.

Before Folty again proves himself a bust this season the Braves must trade Mike Folynewicz and give another young arm a chance.

Possible Return: The pitching market is slow right now with many top arms waiting it out. Teams that are looking to add a pitcher would likely give the Braves one prospect outside their top ten in exchange for the flame thrower.