The latest out of the ATL….
- Michael Brantley and Wilson Ramos are near the top of the Braves’ list of potential free agent targets, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman this week. Given the two players’ age and injury histories, however, Bowman feels Brantley and Ramos are “nothing more than secondary options” for Atlanta at this point. At this early juncture in the offseason, the Braves (and every other team) are likely making inquiries about just about every free agent that fits their needs, so it’s too soon to say whether Atlanta will end up strongly pursuing Brantley and/or Ramos. The pair are fits for the Braves on paper, as Brantley could replace Nick Markakis in the outfield while Ramos could take over behind the plate from free agent Kurt Suzuki.
- Also from Bowman’s mailbag piece, he speculates that “it would at least make sense for” the Braves to test Ender Inciarte’s value on the trade market before age starts to hamper Inciarte’s defense and baserunning. Inciarte only recently turned 28, and there has yet to be much evidence that either his stellar glovework (+7.4 UZR/150, +17 Defensive Runs Saved in 2018) or his work on the basepaths (+6.1 BsR as per Fangraphs’ baserunning metric, though he did only succeed in 28 of 42 stolen base chances last year) is slipping whatsoever. That said, Inciarte has been a below-average hitter and run creator over his career, and actually took a step back at the plate in 2018, hitting just .265/.325/.380 over 660 PA. Since the Braves have another outstanding center field option in Ronald Acuna, it would be a bold but potentially wise move to sell high on Inciarte, as several teams would jump at the chance to add a player with his speed and defense, not to mention his affordable contract (owed $20MM through 2021, plus a club option for 2022). Bowman notes that Atlanta would only move Inciarte for “a significant return,” of course, though the team figures to be open to just about all trade options, with Acuna and Freddie Freeman perhaps being the only true untouchables in the organization.
- As per the most recent quarterly earnings disclosure from Liberty Media (the Braves’ ownership group), the team’s $410MM in revenues for the first nine months of 2018 has already surpassed their $386MM total from all of 2017, Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes. The move to SunTrust Park for the 2017 season led to an enormous jump in revenues (from $262MM in 2016), and as one might expect, the Braves’ run to the NL East title this season resulted in “increased ticket prices, higher attendance and increased concessions per turnstile” from July through September, as per Liberty Media’s report. It remains to be seen if this revenue jump will manifest into a larger payroll for the Braves this offseason. GM Alex Anthopoulos said during the summer that “there’s no single player that we can’t afford” while discussing possible trade deadline acquisitions, though a midseason pickup is certainly different than a multi-year free agent, expense-wise.
Could Inciarte headline a deal for Kluber? The Indians need lots of OF help.
Braves sign Brantley for a couple of years for around 13 mil a year.
Trade Riley, Soroka, and alex jackson for JT
sign some bullpen arms in FA
allow young pitchers to develop and see who is for real on rotation
trade for a veteran starter with postseason experience at trade deadline if needed
I hope you know this isn’t remotely a good suggestion.
In my opinion, Riley is almost untouchable considering a need for his potential talent is needed soon. Soroka has been too elite in the minors and looked pretty solid in the pros (while dealing with shoulder problems). I want JT as much as the next guy but those two are the future of the braves at this point.
Riley is a prospect at a position the Braves don’t really have need at. And for all his power potential, he’s got some holes in his game. I think he’s more of one of the painful prospects you’d give up for major league talent than an untouchable.
Ugh yeah they do camargo may be good but Riley is better
Also his defense has gotten better as he has gone up in level
Camargo can play left field. No one ever brings this up
That too
Not even remotely good.
JTR is baseballs best catcher..on a team friendly deal..controlled for multiple years..and is 27. Say that to yourself a few times.
You may not LIKE what JTR will cost but Soroka/Riley is something like what it will take and with all the teams interested in him, maybe even a bit more. You don’t get a guy like Realmuto unless you pay at least a couple of elite prospects.
The only thing I might have done different is try using Wright instead of Soroka. But whoever gets JTR is going to have to hurt some to get him.
Riley and Soroka are both nearly untouchable, and rightfully should be.
Right. Here’s something to consider also. Carmargo might have 3rd on lockdown today, but may not tomorrow. Maybe he drops off the map quick, but more likely, Swanson can’t handle the fort at SS and we need to move Carmargo over leaving a hole at 3rd. I think this is honestly the reason Riley isn’t being dangled in trade talks as much as he would otherwise. No right braves fans is completely comfortable with the left side of the infield at this point
That’s a risk you take every time you trade someone
Almost any player could drop off this upcoming season
Camargo is good enough to play 3rd especially with the defense he brings to our young pitchers+he is getting payed peanuts for a long time.
We have so many pitchers that it is fine to give up Soroka
anyways, more than others because his injures.
I think JT prioritizes winning (wants to leave Marlins) so I think he would sign an extension with us, that leaves us with the best catcher, 1st baseman, and a top 5 outfielder.
Whats wrong with this suggestion?
Bheath says defense is vital
Camargo>Riley
I would offer the Fish Soroka, Allard, Waters and Contreras. That’s 3 top 100 prospects and Contreras, who could be top 100 next year, for JT Realmuto
That’s way too much to give. Not saying that wouldn’t be the potential cost, but way too much to give…but that might just be because I really don’t want the Braves to trade away Waters or Contreras
Braves got into playoffs a year too early, need to be careful. Brantley deal could kill them if he gets hurt again.
Watching the Red Sox outfield shows defense is vital these days especially with a young staff so stay the course.
410 million in revenue = massive profits
Please list their expenses other then ML payroll.
You have “sources”. Go ask one of them.
You do realize that assumption is massively incorrect. You have tons of expenses besides major league payroll. I’m not saying that the didn’t make profits but please educate yourself about the difference between revenue and profits. Unfortunately you can have businesses that have 100s of millions in revenue but make no profit (or have negative profits).
Or, instead of negative profits, they could even have, you know, losses. (Might not want to talk smack to others about educating themselves. If you keep it light, you might get a little more mercy for your own gaffs.). 🙂
Shhhhh, don’t tell anyone but I already knew that “negative profit” could more easily be translated as “losses”. LOL, I choose the less acceptable manner of expressing it to emphasize the NEGATIVE part.
But I appreciate the keeping it light comment. (I just have a personal hang up any time some one comes across seeming that they equate increase in revenue with increased profits. I’ve had the discussion too many times in the past with inexperienced low level managers.)
I hope someone else hurries up and overpays for Realmuto before we do.
Exactly. Imagine if we paid Soroka, Riley and Pache. At that point I would hope the Braves walk away but that’s what I think it would take.
I would do soroka and riley though
maybe some other throw ins bc the marlins need some double A players to play on their AAA team lol
I would like to see the braves get Brantley and Ramos. I just hope it’s sort term contracts and we don’t get in a bidding war for them. They aren’t needed that badly for us to spend a ton on them. Especially given their age and health. And I’m ok shopping Ender, but only go in with a price tag that’s a tad to high to see if anyone bites. Otherwise, he’s worth keeping
Do you think GMs not do any of this stuff? If I was a GM I’d only sign good players, and I would only trade players if teams overpay for them when they’re at peak value. That’s something GMs don’t do well. Now see how dumb that reads?
While it is smart business to gauge player’s worth to other teams, it’s also smart to realize trading Inciarte at this point only makes the Braves’ FO job that much more difficult. Unless a good corner OFer is included in the return, then the FO has yet another expenditure that must be dealt with.
I’m a huge proponent of defense being vital to a team’s success. Over the last decade or so, far too many teams have given up defense for offensive output and it has lessened the game, imo. Inciarte is an excellent CFer and that should be worth keeping him. The Braves can do themselves a great deal of good by filling their OF and catcher position needs with quality over monetary concerns. They have the money, as all clubs do, to upgrade. I’m not advocating for a Harper deal but there is quality to be had on the FA & trade markets.
Ender Inciarte won’t get more than a ptbnl. Maybe a non ranked prospect.
You have got to be crazy or you know nothing about the game
Or both.
definitely both
Troll. His gold gloves alone make him worth more.
I’ll bring up this trade again,
Kluber to Braves
Riley, Inciarte, Wright to Indians
Indians will want young controllable pitching prospects for Kluber., something like Soroka and Anderson.
Huge overpay
Just look at the Sale trade very similar, Moncada was the number one prospect in baseball, and Kopeach was the top pitching prospect.. Kluber has won 2 Cy Young awards.
But Sale was younger also..
You know..my fellow Braves fans are saying overpay but you’re talking about a legitimate ace. I wouldn’t do this trade if I had the choice but if Kluber costs that it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Sign Ramos to a 2 year deal with one year buy-out to see if he can stay healthy, let Ender keep the seat warm for pache, make a trade for Greinke and Edwin Diaz. Sign Brantley and Corbin.
Realmuto or Harper is a nice thought but we need quantity right now to get over the top.
Greinke is owed over $30 million per season for the next three years. How does that fit in with getting “quantity?” He’s nearing the end of his usefulness. If you’re going to spend that kind of cash, go WAY younger.
He won 15 games last year, better than anything Atlanta has seen in a long time. I think it’s worth the money if Arizona would compensate us for taking him.
Exactly plus the rest of the rotation won’t be making any money for a couple years and Greinke could lead the young guys. By the 3rd year you would hope that Folty & Newcomb’s development would have the higher up the rotation
Besides where you gonna find an ace for 3 years that
1. Wouldn’t cost a ton of prospects(Kluber)
2. Wouldn’t need to be extended (MadBum)
3. Isn’t injury prone (Paxton)
I have faith the the team can find a good mentor who doesn’t cost almost 100 million dollars…
You’re not taking into consideration what pro-rated portion of his salary Arizona would be willing to pay to shed his current contract to go along with a trade..
(Think rebuild and/or willingness to lock up impending FA Goldschmidt to build around; ala, your’s truly Freddie Freeman a few years ago sound familiar?)
I can’t believe you actually think all those things would happen in one offseason and they’re realistic.
I dont think we need to get two ace’s especially with how much money we would give up
Talk about going all out
Well, fooey. Both Harper and Machado are married, and the Braves are going with “there’s no single player that we can’t afford.”
Wait… maybe they meant something else…
Lol
If they can expect to repeat $400M in revenue, then 45% expected payroll puts them in the $190M range, with only $80M marked right now and an impressive prospects list.
If any team could make a big splash in free agency, it’s certainly Atlanta
Harper seems like a great fit too, and they could have him stay in left for the next decade.
DON’T confuse revenue with profits. Please educate yourself. Revenue isn’t always indicative of profit unfortunately.
Obviously, never implied that anywhere.
Teams generally spend about 40-45% of their revenues on player payroll.
That’s what the league averages
Yes.
But as I’m sure you know, the young Braves that that work out are going to get raises and eat up payroll fairly quickly.
AA left the Jays in a bind when he made a run for the WS. The budget was maxed out, the team was old and suffered lingering injuries, and the farm system was bare due to his trades of inexpensive youngsters for aging veterans. They were stuck with no way to go other than down.
The Braves are maybe 30% of the way into the rebuild cycle. They only have an inkling of what they have and what they’ll need. It’s possible AA learned from his Toronto experience.
Additionally, we do not know what debt service and other expenses there are on the new park. It’s assured that there’s a business plan. We don’t know it.
Agreed, and yup.
But those revenues indicate there should be some payroll room
yeah for like 13 years and like 400 million with a 240 BA
not to mention he brings a bad attitude
You referenced avg and wins. Do you have any other stats that nobody uses anymore to bring up? Nobody running a baseball gives a damn about batting avg and they sure as hell don’t give a crap about wins as a majority of starters don’t even pitch 5 innings anymore. Welcome to 2018.
you think nobody cares about avg?
ask all 32 GM’s
Considering there are 30 GM’s, I feel like you showed how aware you are.
No GM cares about batting average anymore. Maybe Dayton Moore, but he’d be it
How about you ask all the GMs which stats they look at. I promise you none of them look at batting avg. once you bring up avg and they laugh in your face you’ll be better because of it
Are you nor aware that batting average is always brought up when talking about a player in an article
Ever noticed that batting average is always that first stat to the left on TV
Ever noticed that batting average shows how many HITS a player can get
Wait… aren’t hits important?
Hard pass on Brycie… Way too self absorbed… seems perfect for the Dodgers
Inciarte in a deal for Bumgarner would be good if SF would accept. Pache should be ML ready soon anyway
The Giants have Farhan now, they will want young pitching prospects for Mad Bum
Inciarte has WAY too much surplus value to trade for a 1 year rental.
Ender, Soroka, Riley (or Camargo), Allard and Wright for Trout.
A) The angels aren’t going to trade Trout
B) The angels would laugh at that offer
Haha are you Series the angles would accept that in the bleak of an eye potentially 5 top prospects for one guy
Serious
Even for the best player in the game, that would be too much to turn down
4
If anyone is laughing it is us since the braves would never do that
In a minute
Maybe not add Riley, but I can definitely see them offering:
Wright, Touissant, Allard, Gohara, Pache for Trout
That would leave the braves with Soroka, Gausman, Newcomb, Fried, Folty, Teheran plus Wentz, Muller, Anderson, Wilson working their way in the next couple years.
Angels need pitching and could wind up with 4 MLB ready pitchers from the Braves if they were to trade Trout.
You’ve gotta be joking
This got me thinking.. if Moreno wasn’t so hell bent on trying to win with an average roster. What would trout get with his two years of control in a trade.. I have some ideas, and when I think about it, they would probably have a better roster without him
In order for the Angels to accept a Trout trade they would need 4 MLB ready top level prospects. Switch Allard for Pache and they would probably take it. But that’s too much of an overpay for 2 years of Trout.
Trade Allard to Pitt for Cervelli
Trade Gohora to Arz for Greinke & $$$$
Trade Teheran to Brewers for Santana
Sign Warren & Robertson
Really want Buxton as 4th OF but I don’t think he is available now
Trade the weed back for your PlayStation and go back to playing MLB the show, because there’s no chance in hell any of that will happen. Welcome back to reality.
Braves are in a great position this winter, they have money to spend on free agents, and they have the prospects to land anybody. I say, they do both. They could land Donaldson and Brantley, and trade for one of the frontline pitchers like Kluber or Mad Bum.. This wouldn’t strap them long term, but it would give them the players to win it all next year.
The problem i see, with getting both Donaldson & Brantley, is you are banking on both having relatively injury free years. You can extrapolate that further by adding in Bumgarner with his growing injury history.
It’s a crap shoot, as is, with younger players that haven’t had injury riddled histories. Throw 3 aging key players into the mix that have had recent injury woes and you are asking for trouble.
I can see targeting one of the 3, but not more.
True, but the Sox took a chance on Eovaldi, the Braves might need to take a chance to get to the next step. These players aren’t killing them long term.
Remember Seattle traded Pineada to Yankees for Mateo
What young corner OF prospect could be had for Soroka ???
Seattle traded Pineda for Jesus Montero
Kyle Tucker? Clint Frazier and prospects package? Alex Verdugo + prospects? Yordan Alvarez + prospects? Soroka + prospects for Mitch Haniger? Maybe a deal involving Brandon Nimmo? Maybe a package of Matt Duffy and Austin Meadows from the Rays for a package from the Braves involving Soroka.
No I don’t remember that trade at all actually. Did you make that unrealistic trade on Mlb the show too? Gotta remember we are talking about real life baseball we aren’t privy to your dynasty on Mlb the show.
For around the same money I’d rather see the Braves go after Cutch over Brantley, especially with the injury concerns. Cutch could easily slide into LF for the next 3 seasons for the same money probably as Brantley. Before you guys start jumping on the stats, consider the park he was playing in for 3/4 of the season. I like JTR as much as the next guy, but for the right price, I have no interest in Machado after his antics and comments during the playoffs. If we’re going to make a move for a 3B go hard after Arenado. Carrasco may be easier to acquire versus Kluber and would easily be our #1,
3B is fine Camargo fits in with Albies & Acuna and is cheaper
Brantley’s injury history scares me
Anybody think this new guy in San Fran will shake things up cause I am sayin Posey is from Brave country and if they are looking to retool I think the Braves have enough prospects to pry him away
Posey’s injuries scare me. His production may be limited because of the wear and tear he has experienced.
Posey isn’t a fit for Atlanta. The Braves would take a risk and hope he is still able to catch after hip surgery. If he can’t, the braves have nowhere to play him with Freeman at 1st.
Brantley injuries concern you but you want to get Posey?
Agreed on Cutch. I’d rather have him as well. Thing is he may get way more money because he’s a lot bigger name. Sign Cutch, Ramos, Cody Allen and then trade for Kluber or Carrasco. We’d need at least another decent RP and another bench bat, and I feel like we’d be in great shape.
Wright, Soroka, Riley, Pache & Contreras for Posey
Who says no
I think Giants say no only because it’s Zaidis first year as POB. Otherwise it’s a pretty fair trade.
Half a decade ago
Hopefully AA!! Wow that’s a haulova overpay..
Came up with a hypothetical of my own. Bumgarner for Newcomb and Toussaint straight up. Who would say no?
The braves. That’s a massive overpay for a rental that may or may not be healthy.
It’s literally 2 players. You aren’t giving up a farm, it’s 1 unknown and 1 SP who’s a no. 2 starter at best. I think there’s a point in time where you need to accept trading away prospects for stars, because all of Bumgarners injuries have been freak accidents. He got hit by a comebacker and got injured on a dirtbike, it’s not something that’s wrong with his arm or another part of his body that repeatedly requires surgery.
It’s also a top 50 prospect and a MLB starter. You are much more likely to get a couple guys like Bryce Wilson.
This is terrible. Posey has stopped hitting HR’s and is basically what Joe Mauer has been at the plate, and as he ages that defense will just get worse! Contreras will need 2-3 years still but he should be our future catcher.
Just wanted to say that Posey is much much more valuable to the Giants that he would be to the Braves, so it would be a very awkward trade scenario. The Giants would sell at their absolute highest, because he’s such an icon and the entire city of SF knows his name, however for the Braves he’s just an upgrade over Flowers, on a team with the likes of Freeman and Acuna.
Braves hang up quickly, Posey will have questionable hips post-surgery, plus huge overpay even if injury history wasn’t there.
I do, boy do I
Braves would never offer that and would hang up as soon as the Giants got through Wright and Soroka. That’s an absurd trade offer.
Posey is not a full time catcher anymore and that is a massive overpay
I think we would have to take on Jason Kipnis’ 17 per for 1 year to get Kluber or Carrasco in a trade. How many of you would do that? If we can get Yan Gomes also that would save money from the cost of Grandal or prospects needed in a Realmuto trade. Kipnis makes our bench better. Ender, Newcomb Riley and young pitchers might do it.
If you take on Yan Gomes, you don’t need Grandal or Realmuto.
We’ve discovered a new disease, doctor…Braves’ Prospects Derangement Syndrome……90% of the proposed trades think prospects ranked 20-25 in the Braves’ system = a top 5 prospect in others……I thought Rays’ fans were bad…….
There be some smart folks there in Cleveland,,,,,,you’re not getting Kluber for 3 guys named Joe… (or Kolby or Mike or Austin)…..Inciarte, Riley and Wright is a nice START…..(and to be fair the most rational trade suggested)….but there has to be more……(even if it’s taking Kipnis off the Indians’ books)…..
Keep him.
I think they will. Now Gomes might be another matter, and it makes sense for the Bravos to go after him…..
Gomes is equal to about 60% of the available free agent crop, especially for his age. Better to sign for one on the back side of 30.
The Indians and Braves just don’t match well for a trade. We have the same needs and the same surpluses.
We need a defensive catcher more than offensive. One that can help grow a young pitching staff. It would help if they can hit, But not as necessary. We also need a clean up hitting outfielder. One that makes Freeman’s hitting better, thus making the team better. I think both of these will come via trade, not enough FA options fit these molds.
If Pache can hit .260 and play everyday then he’s the same exact player as Ender.
I’d trade Ender right now and move Acuna to CF and move Camargo to LF and sign or trade for a RF replacement.
Also trade Julio because he still has some value
bro he had one half of a off year and now everyone is at his throat
one year removed from 200 hit season
No im not on his throat I think he’s a good player and has value. Which is why I say trade him. Because he can be replaced besides im not calling to trade Freeman or Acuna.
Playing CF usually takes a toll on a players legs over the years, rather Acuna plays RF for as long as he is a Brave. We will see how he progresses and if he becomes a player everyone offers a mega contract like Harper, or a Trout.
I have a hunch Braves would pay dearly for Kluber who is a ace but he still has a lot of innings on him. Long deals for any pitcher is a calculated risk. Braves did win the East without a true ace.
Grandal has fine power left handed and is reasonable cost wise, pretty good catcher who with Flowers would work well. Being a switch hitter is a plus on the bench or late innings when not starting.
Camargo is good, who knows what Riley will do at MLB level, should get a idea this spring if he isn’t part of a deal. I wouldn’t trade him as unknown unless the return is very good.
Until the Braves pony up some money or make some moves I temper expectations of them making any blockbuster deals.
Bullpen, catching, a outfielder or Duvall playing daily and a starting pitcher, maybe Sanchez back? Bring up some more kids…….. Kluber, Bryant,Bumgardner….. believe it when you see it. Braun maybe.
What would it take to get David Peralta from the D Backs?
Pache and ian anderson
If im totaly off its because i dont know his contract too well
Huge overpay by Braves.
AA will not be unloading the cupboard this offseason. It would be career suicide. He’s going to drive the ship carefully in-hopes of keeping the Braves afloat at the top of the NL East standings. To consider some of the trade ideas on this thread is nonsense.
Why? Because AA and Atlanta are targeting Brantley and Ramos. Brantley was not given a qualifying offer. AA loves to keep draft picks, whether he signs the pick or not. Brantley would adequately fill Markakis’ shoes. Is Brantley injury-prone? Yes. Brantley also won’t command a 5-year deal. A 2-yr or 3-year plus a team option will most likely do it.
Now here’s where Braves fan will be offended; AA does not want to rock the boat in-case they fall back to 4th place due to injury or other setbacks. Think 2015 Astros and remember what they did in 2016 to prepare for 2017. That’s the approach the Braves are taking. They will not do anything drastic until they have to. This Braves team was buried in the NLDS because they were a team taking advantage of a bad division. Philly, Washington, and a loaded Mets pitching staff could force Atlanta to miss the playoffs in 2019. So there’s no reason, yet, to waste bullets they will need 2020 and beyond.
AA emptied bullets at the very last second in Toronto. He’s nowhere close to the last second with the Braves. A big move will happen midseason if Atlanta needs it.
He has come out and said that moves will be coming more than likely through trades than free agency. I don’t see any reason to add 2 injury prone players in free agency. I don’t expect a huge empty the farm move like Kluber or Realmuto but I feel some moves need to be made and sooner rather than later because then he will be forced to take guys he doesn’t necessarily want.
Rangers need pitching does anybody think Gohora could get Mazara ? I know it was reported they liked him at the deadline last year.
Any combination of Maraza/Gallo and Leclerc would be great. Power hitting corner OF and a proven closer. Maybe Terehan instead of Gohara. He’s more proven.
Everybody is all hyped about this offseason and potential trades and free agent signings. If I were AA, I would proceed with caution this offseason. Remember folks, next years free agent class is loaded as well. I WOULD NOT trade for Kluber he will be 33 years old! We are trying to build something for the long term, this trade would simply give us a potential work horse, but also a potential regressing pitcher in his mid-30’s and only give us short term value – IF HE STAYS HEALTHY. This club has put too much into the last 4-5 years in this rebuild to throw it away on signing old free agents and trading for them for short term gain.
Trade for Realmuto (this should be the number 1 priority). He’s young and already proven. DO NOT TRADE for an Ace this offseason unless it’s at the deadline and that person is controllable. There is still too many potential aces in our young crop of pitchers. SIGN one of the potential closer’s on the market. DO NOT SIGN BRANTLEY (he will get hurt), terrible idea. I would re-sign Markakis to a 1 year deal. Castellanos (RF) will be available next year on the free agent market – SIGN HIM or trade for him this offseason and sign him to an extension. He’ll be 28/29. Next year is a year that we will continue to make progress, but we are still a year away. Point being, let’s not get overly excited and sign and trade for older free agents, bad mistake.
Markakis is not taking a one year deal
This young staff needs an ace to guide them whether it’s Kluber or Greinke or Carrasco or whoever but to me that should be top priority. I only say Greinke because I believe he would be the cheapest prospect wise to aquire. The Braves have the money to absorb the contract.
I don’t want Realmuto unless it comes with a guaranteed extension which won’t happen.
AA emphasizes defense so Castellanos will never be a Brave. Wouldn’t mind Markakis back sharing time with Duvall until Pache is ready but if that is the case than it would have to be Realmuto getting acquired.
I agree stay away from Brantley and Ramos too for that matter.
Well said. I say Realmuto simply because catchers are hard to come by, of course aces are too. That being said we have a better chance of having an ace in our farm system than having a #1 catcher like Realmuto. Remember Realmuto as a catcher can be an asset to our young staff as well. I don’t disagree that we need a well established leader, but I am not willing to give up 2 top prospects for a Mid-30 something year old. If that is the case bring back Anibal Sanchez on a 1 year deal. If we are going to spend our prospect capital lets spend it on a pitcher in their prime. Another thought is this. Again…. wait until next year when Arenado is a free agent, sign him for our 3b and move Riley to RF or LF. Carmargo could play SS/utility role in the OF and Infield. I have been a dedicated fan all my life to the Braves, I just can’t see going all in this season, I just have a feeling that they are not all the way there yet. I think we are still 1 season away from actually being able to win a playoff game. We won’t be able to get Harper/Machado, we need to go after the guys we can sign that are young.
Sign Brantley… NO ( or any other FA OF )
Overpay for Realmuto… NO
Sign Harper/Machado for $400….NO
Plan A… Trade for Mitch Haniger
Plan B… I may like this better
The Yankees need starting pitching
The Yankees need LH bat and want Harper (Lets make it possible )
The Atlanta Braves trade SP Julio Teheran to the New York Yankees for OF Giancarlo Stanton…. Wow !!
Braves get their RH power hitter for RF
Yankees get an innings eating, economical, veteran SP and the financial flexibility to sign Harper… But we can’t afford Stanton’s contract right ??
Look we were paying Teheran 11M and Markakis 11M already…Stanton makes 26M the next two years, that’s only 4M more for 2019 and 2020 for 40Hr behind F Freeman in the lineup. I’m good w/ that
Stanton has an opt out after the 2020 season. If he does fine…if he doesn’t even better…let me explain. If Giancarlo doesn’t opt out of his contract he averages 30M the next 3 years… but the Marlins have to pay 30M of that.
That makes us paying Stanton only 20M thru 2023…or we could be paying Harper 40M/yr. That’s Stanton’s age 29-33 seasons.
I think we should give Giancarlo another opt out of his contract at this point as part of the trade; and if he declines the Yankees agree to pay 33M over the next 3 years, which averages out to the Braves paying 20M for Stanton’s 34-36 y/o seasons.
The last two years of Stanton’s contract is for 25M/yr or a 10M team buyout @ age 38. In eight years 25M/yr will be peanuts and the National league will have the DH and Stanton will still be launching HR at Suntrust !
You might be crazy…or a genius…or both. Not saying I agree but your scenario is just as logical as many on this thread. Up vote from me for the creativity.
Thankyou !!
And also we are a year ahead of schedule on our rebuild. FF isn’t getting any younger and he’s our best player. Camargo, Albies, Acuna, Jr, & Swanson have a year under their belt; but still young. We are losing veteran leadership in Markakis and Stanton could help replace some of that leadership.
Also this trade saves all our prospects for a possible trade for a TOR pitcher or veteran relief pitching
My concern here is Yankees are already trying to rid themselves of Sonny Gray, only to bring him back in the form of Julio. I like the concept you prescribed, just think it needs a slight tweak. Thoughts of Julio being traded makes me smile, as he is too costly for this payroll.
Stanton is better off in the AL, defensive liability and to be honest, I certainly wasn’t impressed with him last year. Harper and Machado aren’t happening anyway. I’d much rather have Realmuto. It’s pretty easy to find a corner outfielder that can launch homeruns a lot cheaper than Stanton whether you are saving Tehran and Markakis costs or not. The Braves don’t need to sign these superstars to make a run for the Series. They just need a few more pieces (long-term pieces) to get them there. I think they can get a few pieces this year and a few more next year. 2020 is going to be the year. Again, I think the Braves should make well thought out moves on trades acquiring long term assets and signing free agents where it makes sense without over committing to long term deals for older players.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Better suited for the AL ? We are talking about the NL 2016 MVP correct ?
Defensive liability ? 5 errors in the last two years ? And we have Ender next to him. He could play LF w/ Acuna in RF.
Stanton’s defense is not an issue.
Not impressed ? He did only hit .266 I agree; but 38HR, 342B, 100 RBI.. behind Freeman in our lineup ? I would be impressed…of course the last time he played in the NL east he hit .280 w/ 59 HR
You want long term assets ? We are talking about a power hitting RH OF for the next decade.
I think they should consider bringing in JA Happ and Eovaldi. Convince Eovaldi to move to the pen (maybe offer a slightly higher salary for the move and some incentives. Look to get Cutch to replace Markakis and also look to the Yankees for Clint Frazier and see if they wouldn’t want to do a prospect swap. Send them a young pitcher.
Acuna for Soto and scherzer, lol jk