Atlanta Braves: Does Sonny Gray Fit in Atlanta?

The Atlanta Braves are targeting Sonny Gray as a possible addition to their current rotation. Would Sonny Gray be a good fit in Atlanta and improve their chances in 2019?

Sonny Gray is one of the more interesting players on the current trade market. For the Atlanta Braves he could fill a huge need, or simply be another case of inconsistency. Inconsistency seems to be the only constant in the Braves rotation, meaning they must be very careful with a possible trade for Gray.

Sonny Gray is on the final year of his contract and would essentially be a one-year rental barring an extension. An extension seems highly unlikely considering Gray will be attempting to rehab his value.

Trading for a one-year rental is only an option here if the Braves truly believe they have a chance to win the World Series now. Trading for a rental with no expectations of going all in, attempting to win now is pointless.

It spends important resources for one piece, who alone will not put the Braves over the top. Gray has the ability to be a top of the rotation starter, just as his struggles have the potential to make him an iffy 5th option.

Sonny Gray to Atlanta would be a surprising move for a team who doesn’t seem ready to go all in just yet.

Trading for Sonny Gray is a mistake for the Braves unless they are willing to follow it with a flurry of moves going all in and attempting to win now.

For a team full of potential with a stacked farm system this seems highly unlikely.  Mortgaging the future for a shot at winning this season doesn’t appear to be in the playbook.

Instead, the Braves should focus on free agency attempting to get better without weakening the farm.  The best option for a team who is building a roster that can compete not just this season, but for years to come.