If the rumors are any indication, the Braves will be adding a starting pitcher before the trade deadline. The Braves have been linked to both Marcus Stroman and Cole Hamels today:
Sources: #BlueJays, #Braves have discussed a Marcus Stroman trade, although there is no evidence of current progress. Story: https://t.co/MFZokDxJR3 @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 26, 2018
Sources: #Cubs appear front-runner for #Rangers’ Hamels, but #Braves remain in mix, as previously noted by @StevePhillipsGM.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2018
Stroman could be a nice opportunity for a buy low, but the Blue Jays control him through 2021. We have seen this with Julio Teheran in trade discussions in the past, as it is hard to gauge a pitcher’s value when you know he is more talented than the production shows. He has gotten in a rhythm recently and had been bothered by injuries earlier in the season. It may be wisest for the Blue Jays to hold onto him, but Anthopolous knows more about Stroman than anyone and may be more inclined to make a deal. He would definitely be a nice addition, and his high ERA should not be so alarming when you consider he has only made 13 starts this season. He is too talented not to bounce back.
Hamels would also be a nice addition, assuming the Braves would be willing to pick up the bill and the cost would be cheap. Hamels should practically be free and could easily be rejuvenated with a trade to a potentially playoff-bound team. His strikeout numbers are actually back up from last season and at age 34, it just seems early to throw the towel in on Hamels, who has been great for a long time.
In a nutshell, what these moves should tell you is that the Braves are going to make an economical move for a starter. Stay tuned.
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