The Atlanta Braves Should Consider Trading These Five Players

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Jose Bautista (L) of the Atlanta Braves is greeted by Tyler Flowers (C) and Nick Markakis (R) of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a three-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning while wearing the #42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day on May 14, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Jose Bautista (L) of the Atlanta Braves is greeted by Tyler Flowers (C) and Nick Markakis (R) of the Atlanta Braves after hitting a three-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning while wearing the #42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day on May 14, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 31: Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 31: Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

4. The Braves Finally Have the Depth to Move on From Mike Foltynewicz 

This is a familiar suggestion I have made a number of times. The Braves have a wealth of pitching in their Minor League system and plenty of veteran help to supplement this season. Trading Mike in a package deal for a better pitcher or a bigger piece would be a great move for the Braves.

Mike Folynewicz has great velocity and so far this season is putting together his best year as a Brave. Still, there are more red flags the Braves shouldn’t ignore.  His attitude and mound presence are both questionable and should cause the Braves concern.

Add in his past struggles with injuries and his age likely making him a finished product and the Braves would be smart to move on from the right-hander.

He can pile up strikeouts when he is on and would demand a big return on the trade market. Dealing Folty would be a great move for the Braves only if they can secure a big piece in return.

If he wasn’t part of a package deal for a bigger piece the Braves should stay put with their current rotation.