ATLANTA -- Just when we didn’t think any topic could unify a group on social media, the Braves went and exited Monday’s Trade Deadline without a frontline starter. Considering the overwhelming backlash, this seems to be a good time for a mental cleanse. So, here’s what’s on my mind: While on 680 The Fan’s "Chuck and Chernoff" last week, I said Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos was the guy I’d want in my foxhole going into the Trade Deadline. What he did in 2018, '19 and '21 helped create six straight division titles and a World Series title. But what he did this year left plenty of reason to second-guess. Did the Braves get better? Yeah. Lane Thomas is an upgrade over Eli White, and Tyler Mahle should at least be an innings-eater within a rotation that has fasted more than it has feasted in terms of innings consumption. As for lefty reliever Brent Suter, his rubber arm will help keep the primary relievers fresh. But we’re still asking who would start Game 2 of a playoff series? Chris Sale and pray for hail isn’t going to take the Braves far in October. Atlanta’s top three playoff rotation candidates are Sale, Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver, who is essentially still completing his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Anthopoulos aimed high as he pursued Tarik Skubal, Jacob deGrom and Logan Webb. But as most expected, Skubal went to the prospect-rich Dodgers. When I mentioned Webb as a possibility in some articles this past weekend, I was told there was a belief the Giants would eventually make him available. They never did. |
A deGrom deal was always going to be complicated because it would have involved the swap of large contracts. To unload the veteran hurler and the $37 million he’s owed next year, the Rangers would have had to assume a risk like banking on Spencer Strider’s ability to be effective as a starter or reliever once he begins pitching again next year. Strider is owed $66 million over the next three years. At the end, we learned deGrom wasn’t willing to waive his no-trade clause. Here lies the problem: The Braves weren’t a realistic suitor for any of their top three targets. So, why didn’t they pivot to Robbie Ray, who has a 1.09 ERA over his past eight appearances (seven starts) or Casey Mize, who has dealt with a troublesome groin muscle this year? Both starting pitchers ended up with the Padres, whose system is not rated as one of the game’s best. The Braves’ system has improved over the past few years, but some scouts still view Atlanta’s system as top-heavy or light. San Diego gave up its No. 2 prospect, Kash Mayfield, and a Minor League pitcher for Mize. Why didn’t the Braves offer one of their top five prospects and a Minor Leaguer? Well, not all prospect rankings or internal evaluations are created equal. The Braves have three Top 100 prospects in LHP Cam Caminiti (MLB No. 41), outfielder Eric Hartman (MLB No. 73) and shortstop Tate Southisene (MLB No. 93). Mayfield isn’t among the Top 100. Would it have been worth offering Caminiti or Hartman for Skubal? Yep. How about for Mize? Probably not. The same can be said for Ray. |
The Tigers obviously wanted pitching in return. So, how about Braves No. 4 prospect LHP Briggs McKenzie? McKenzie is currently sidelined with nerve irritation in his left elbow. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it would have been a variable when Detroit weighed Mayfield vs. McKenzie. The Padres used their No. 4 prospect and No. 9 prospect to land Ray. Those prospects currently rank No. 13 and No. 21 in San Francisco’s system. So, why didn’t the Braves counter with something like their No. 5 prospect, shortstop Alex Lodise, and either their No. 8 prospect (Herick Hernandez) or No. 9 prospect (Luke Sinnard)? Again, not all prospect evaluations are created equal and as Hall of Fame executive John Schuerholz used to say, “It takes two to tango.” The Braves’ choice to not pay the price to dance could prove profitable in future years if Caminiti, Hartman and Southisene all live up to expectations. But for now, not adding a frontline starter has created a widespread sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). Mahle should prove serviceable, and there is at least a chance Spencer Schwellenbach makes some starts before the end of the year. The more intriguing possibility is that Smith-Shawver becomes a top option when October arrives. We’ve been concerned about the Braves’ rotation all year, and they currently have MLB’s second-best record. What’s another few months of concern? Feel better? Don’t answer that. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Who holds the record for most home runs hit at Truist Park? A) Matt Olson B) Ronald Acuña Jr. C) Matt Olson D) Freddie Freeman |
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The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Michael Harris II Football Jersey. Size options include an adult large and an adult extra-large, available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
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B) Acuña He ranks first with 102, and Riley second with 94. Olson has hit 82, and Marcell Ozuna ranks fourth with 81. |
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