The Braves have pulled off a surprising trade deadline move, dealing 2021 postseason hero and polarizing Brave Will Smith to the Houston Astros in exchange for Jake Odorizzi:
The Houston Astros are acquiring LHP Will Smith from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for SP Jake Odorizzi, per @MarkBermanFox26. pic.twitter.com/E57wqCIlg3
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 2, 2022
The team hasn’t confirmed the trade, so we are waiting on the official word. I really like this move for Atlanta, though; Odorizzi has dealt with some injuries, but he has put up some solid numbers working with Justin Verlander in Houston. In 2022, Odorizzi has a 3.75 ERA over 60 innings with a 1.15 WHIP. Since returning from injury, Odorizzi has been a solid backend starter — something I expect him to be for the Braves.
Will Smith will always be a postseason hero from 2021, but apparently, he would have been the odd man out when Kirby Yates returned. He has had some bumpy moments in Atlanta during the regular season. Getting something in return for nothing is huge, similar to the Sean Newcomb and Jesse Chavez swap:
Smith would likely be the odd man out when Yates is activated. Odorizzi has been effective in three of five starts since returning from the IL. Good insurance for the rotation. Grossman hit 23 HR last year. Has just 2 HR this year, but has a .999 OPS in 96 PA vs. LHPs https://t.co/ps7qAR6SXi
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 2, 2022
Odorizzi is on an expiring deal, so although he’s a rental, he likely wouldn’t have changed anything in terms of money. This is looking like a solid deal for the Braves and Astros, barring 2021 playoff Will Smith showing up for Houston.
—
Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.