Just because the team had an off-day doesn’t mean John Coppolella gets a day off. Monday evening the Braves traded minor leaguers Trevor Belicek and Brandon Barker to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Brian Matusz and the 76th competitive balance round B selection.
The Braves have made it known that they are in the market for draft picks, and they got one at a relatively low price. Barker and Belicek both have great minor league numbers, but neither are exactly considered to be top prospects. The Braves used their depth here to get the draft pick they have so desperately seeked. Both of these guys were 16th round picks the past two years for the Braves, so if the new drafting regime can work their magic they could really get something out of nothing here in terms of original value.
In addition to the pick, the Braves also added southpaw Brian Matusz. However, the team will immediately designate him for assignment and eat the $3.9 million he is due according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Though he has struggled early in the season, it is a small sample size of six innings. Matusz has been a very good left-handed option for the Orioles, especially the past three seasons. The Braves have had trouble finding left-handed production out of the bullpen, so it is truly a head-scratcher as to why they wouldn’t at least give him a shot.
All being said, the Braves essentially send two minor leaguers and $3.9 million for a top 80 draft pick. Not a bad deal, but it would have been nice to see if they could get any production from Matusz.
The Braves have the 3rd, 40th, 44th, 76th and 80th pick in this year’s draft.