Atlanta Braves 2018 Trade Deadline Targets

2 of 6

HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 20: Nathan Eovaldi #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 20, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

1. Are the Braves scouting Nathan Eovaldi?

This MLB Trade Rumors Report surprised me. The Braves are scouting starting pitching looking at Nathan Eovaldi, seemingly one of their biggest depths. It would make sense to scout a top of the rotation pitcher to give the Braves a better 1-2 punch an average pitcher like Nathan makes little sense.

So far this season he has had an ERA just under four and contributed well to a weak rotation. Part of me wonders if the Braves were truly there just to scout the starting pitcher? It seems much more likely the Braves were looking at Nathan with a lot of their focus on the Ray’s bullpen.

Adding a bullpen arm is a must if the Braves want to be a viable contender in September and beyond. Adding an average arm like Eovaldi does what for the team? He isn’t a great pitcher and will do little to improve the team overall.

Could the Braves have been focused on the Ray’s pen instead? Doesn’t seem to be much of a stretch with a team stacked with starting pitching options.

Home/Atlanta Braves