The Braves are one of the teams that have checked in on free-agent third baseman Justin Turner, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. It’s unclear whether the Braves are among the reported four finalists for Turner, whom the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Brewers have also courted. Turner, 36, spent 2014-20 as a Dodger and was one of the majors’ most valuable third basemen in that span. There’s a clear need at the position for the Braves, who received awful production there from Austin Riley, Adeiny HechavarrÃa and Johan Camargo in 2020. They’ve done nothing to upgrade the spot this winter.
- Free agent right-hander Mike Foltynewicz held a showcase for interested teams Friday, Heyman reports. Foltynewicz threw between 90 and 92 mph, which checks in well below the 95.5 mph average he posted in Atlanta from 2014-20. The Braves cut Foltynewicz from their 40-man roster last July after he put up terrible results in his lone outing and averaged less than 91 mph on his fastball. But he does own a 4.33 ERA/4.26 SIERA in 686 big league innings, so there’s reason to expect a bounce-back effort in the future. The Cubs were one of the teams at his showcase, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score tweets.
- The Blue Jays are looking to continue their active offseason by adding another pitcher, reports Robert Murray of FanSided. That could take the form of a high-leverage reliever or an additional starter. Among the players under consideration, per Murray, is right-handed reliever Trevor Rosenthal. The hard-throwing Rosenthal had a fantastic rebound campaign in 2020, tossing 23.2 innings of 1.90 ERA/2.31 SIERA ball with the Royals and Padres.
- The Red Sox have interest in reuniting with corner infielder Travis Shaw and right-handed reliever Brandon Workman, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com and Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com report. Shaw was last with the Red Sox in 2016, after which they traded him to the Brewers. He was a member of the Blue Jays in 2020, and though Shaw was a solid hitter earlier in his career, he has been less productive of late. The 30-year-old slashed .239/.306/.411 in 180 plate appearances with the Blue Jays last season. As for Workman, he has spent most of his career with the Red Sox, but they dealt him to the Phillies prior to last year’s trade deadline. Workman was excellent at times in Boston bullpen in parts of 2013-19, but he could only muster a 5.95 ERA in 19 2/3 innings between the two clubs a year ago.
infractor
Jays giving Rosenthal a year or two would be nice. There’s lots of young arms that can fill out the BP but if there’s a minor league season, they can stretch out there and get a proven late inning guy to compliment Yates and the guys who stepped up last year.
smuzqwpdmx
If he costs less than Yates, sure. But if he expects to be paid like a top closer, I’m not eager to give that kind of contract to an injury risk whose last good season was 2015, based purely on 23 good innings in 2020.
Joe Carters walkoff
Actually just 10 good innings to end year. His first 13 were horrible
Sutter
LOL Rosenthal had 1 game last season that he gave up more than 1 run. 0 walks in his first 8 innings. Far from horrible
Toddlee2456
Folty throwing 90-92 in January is fine. That’ll tick up towards 95 by the end of the spring. No reason to be concerned with that velocity. There’s much more in his game to be worried about, that 92 in January isn’t one of em.
i like al conin
Averaging less than 91 mph in his big MLB showcase last year doesn’t concern you?
GoLandCrabs
In January that’s not concerning.
Joeyg2033
Really? Is that why there are probably no teams seriously interested in him? The moment his velocity dropped, his effectiveness disappeared. Not a coincidence.
golfernut
Red Sox should take a chance on Folty.
UGA_Steve
Completely incorrect. He was still in the top 2-3 average fastball velocity in the majors when his effectiveness disappeared. In fact, he was trying to throw TOO hard. His fastball flattened out with no movement and he could not get it past hitters. MLB hitters will time up even 100+ fastballs if you can’t locate them or have movement on them. Folty had neither of those, just raw speed and when that didn’t work he had nothing to fall back on and let his emotions get the best of him. He just kept trying to throw harder, and not smarter.
A drop in velocity would have been a good thing for him if it was a sign he was learning to use movement and control, but sadly, I doubt he is. He is a kid who always got by with power and has still not learned how to truly pitch. But, that can still be learned and he has enough stuff to be solid if he can just get the right coach to learn it.
Honestly speaking, I don’t think McDowell did any of the Braves pitchers any favors. Look at how many high end pitchers came up under him and how many have not done anything. It’s possible it was an issue with MiLB coaching or an organizational failure as a whole, but so many talented young arms went nowhere under McDowell.
baseballfanforever
Eh… The problem with Folty is that he only had that great fastball to go on. He is going to have to come up with a new way of pitching if he is going to be effective. I’ve never liked the guy on the field because he just can’t put it together. He has had 1 good season in 7. That’s not a good sign. Seems like a flake.
Rangers29
We saw the same velo from Kluber a month ago, and people weren’t very concerned about him. I think Folty can still tick it up some more, and I think he can land in that 93-94 range.
i like al conin
January? This was last season.
Dorothy_Mantooth
The problem is that Kluber has already proven that he can get hitters out pitching in the low 90’s. Folty has proven he gets clobbered unless he is throwing 95mph+. At this point in time, Folty might have to start over and accept a minor league deal. He should do so with a team that still needs pitching in their rotation (like Anaheim, Minnesota or Boston). If he can get back on track, he’ll be called up in no time. I just don’t see a team wasting a 40 man roster spot on him based on how badly he imploded last year and his lackluster showcase.
looiebelongsinthehall
Agree with you Dorothy but I’m hoping TH continues where he left off and forces Boston’s hand. As for Shaw, I realize he has versatility but I’d rather have Mitchie Two Bags and I’m hoping Shaw is just a fallback option as the lefty first baseman platoon partner with BD.
JAMES JACOBSEN
Like control and his attitude issues.
BravesSteelersCle
@Toddlee. It should be a flag. A showcase is to show what you can bring to the table. His velocity was down last year which is why he had such a terrible year. He would want to have his velocity up for this showcase to get signed. Definitely a bad day for Folty.
solaris602
His arm has never been the issue. Focus and mindset are what he struggles with. If a pitching coach can unlock his mental potential, they’ll have it made.
Chief Two Hands
In the shade?
cheapgm4hire
Exactly. That really is the issue.
bravesfan28
Braves are running out of options to find a power bat
RunDMC
The Arenado trade may have actually created more available power bats. With STL seemingly the favorite for the Central, another reason for CHC to sell off (Bryant, Baez, etc.) and COL to sell off Story.
southi
You’d definitely think that Storey SHOULD be available.
baseballfanforever
They can still make a trade which is often the best move to secure a lower cost, under control for more than 1 year player.
BobSacamano
Tigs should offer Candy for an upgrade at 3b.
I feel like they could get Contreras or Langeliers. Maybe even an additional low-mid level prospect.. depending on Braves determination to limit payroll.
I’m just not sold on Jake Rogers. In addition, Dillon Dingler could be years away.
Rsox
Is Candelario really an upgrade over Reilly or Camargo though?
pasha2k
Is this Candy related to the really good lefty, Candelaria?
stymeedone
If Candy maintains his bat, he is solid at 3B. There is no rush to move him as they don’t yet know what positions Torkelson or Paredes will end up at, or if they will hit.
bravesfan
Braves are falling apart this offseason offensively. What are they doing! Make a move! Show Braves fans you’re ready to take the next step! Justin Turner is unfortunately not the answer. Only thing I can think of is they are good with Riley at 3rd and gonna let Waters come play left. Cause otherwise why is nothing happening? We cool with Ender in the outfield??!! Come on! DO SOMETHING!
tom brunanskys black sock
Sometimes the wisest move is the one declined.
802Ghost
I can’t tell if you’re being a sarcastic person or not.
Chief Two Hands
I was a sarcastic person for Halloween last year.
Eddie Robbins
Relax!
JAMES JACOBSEN
No matter what we will enjoy the Braves games and sure I would like them to trade for KB and resign Marcell, But they probably wont and I will still enjoy the games
Chief Two Hands
That sounds swell.
bravesfan
KB and Ozuna and this lineup would be so stacked. Of course that will never happen, but fun to dream nevertheless
egrossen
Maybe Foly can resurrect his career and gain back a couple ticks of MPH if he moves to the bullpen.
802Ghost
He didn’t appear to have the mental ability for that in Atlanta.
bravesfan
Truth be told, he came up during a low pressure situation in Atlanta and crumbled once things started getting serious. The guy is a train wreck and can’t handle this life mentally
Dbird777
Rosenthal should definitely go to Torfalo. In all seriousness, yes please Rosenthal to the Jays
B-Strong
Theres no need for Shaw. We already have 3rd base depth that cant hit. Why get more?
Ketch
Shaw can also play 1B and even has limited experience as an awful 2B..
The Sox could just bring back nothing but former players – Shaw, Workman and Reddick – to fill out their roster
B-Strong
I know he does, but they already have Hernandez who plays everywhere, Dalbec at first, Chavis who plays everywhere, and Arroyo who plays 2nd. Theyve got depth. Spend the money on elsewhere. Workman would make more sense than Shaw.
B-Strong
Hell Brock Holt would make more sense than Shaw if they wanna go with ex players
tom brunanskys black sock
All of those guys are RH Hitters. Arroyo played average ball for two weeks for the Sox and has been jettisoned by four teams beforehand. Chavis looks like the definition of a 4A player. Granted, so does Shaw. But he can hold his own at both corner spots while batting LH, which none of the players you mentioned can.
Randy Red Sox
I totally agree. Shaw would be a waste of $$. Rather see Moreland back on a 1 yr under 2.5 deal
Randy Red Sox
Brock Holt–Noooooooooo !!
Mlb1971
Agree, Moreland makes way more sense than Shaw. Both would be a left handed compliment to Dalbec, but Moreland has a gold glove and is more consistent and productive with the bat. Holt has very little power.
pasha2k
Xactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Brockstar!
tom brunanskys black sock
Sox need a LH bench option. Shaw can play both corners. Would make a cheap yet uninspiring platoon / regression insurance partner for Dalbec. Plus he already knows all the good spots for gyros in Boston.
Ketch
So you’re saying the Sox should sign him because he has been to Gyro City?
I’m on board with that.
Dorothy_Mantooth
If they want to be cheap, they could give Josh Ockimey a chance. The problem is that he can never face a LH pitcher. He is the definition of a platoon bat; more so than a Joc Pederson.
whyhayzee
Out of work man? Employ Workman. Compensate him.
Happyfoolsteve
I’d like to see the Orioles sign Foltynewicz, but the AL East probably isn’t the best place to rebuild his worth.
Appalachian_Outlaw
If the Pirates are willing to spend any money whatsoever, I think they’d be the best fit for Folty. It’d be an easier division to pitch in and there would be no pressure. I’d say Baltimore is a decent fit, though.
madmc44
Bring back Workman–you will need him for a one game a week ‘Bullpen by Committee’ until Sale is ready in July/ Aug.
What about Benintendi ?
LaFlamaBlanca
Jesus even guys like Rosenthal and Foltynewicz would be major upgrades over what the Angels are throwing out there as of rn. I guess another 4th place finish is in the books. How is this team soo badly run. Seems like scouting and player development are completely non-existent in the Angel organization. There’s been soo many opportunities that have completely passed them by in the last 2 years as well. Guys like Ryu, Keuchel, Lance Lynn, Wheeler, Mike Minor, Darvish, Corbin, Musgrove, among a few others. Any one of these starters would automatically made them playoff contenders and would have only cost them money other than Musgrove/Darvish. I think Corbin is the highest paid with a 6 yr/140 mill deal which is an absolute bargain compared to what Bauer is looking for this year.
fba0017
Would prefer a reunion with Moreland to split time with Dalbec. Better hitter than Shaw at this point IMO.
GaryWarriorsRedSoxx
239 is a down year for Travis Shaw. 239 is a normal year for Mitch Moreland. Shaw could play first and third with spot duty at second. Moreland is first base exclusively. I think Shaw has the potential of more pop than Moreland also. Just my opinion and could probably get either guy at the same dollar amount. Then you go get workman also. It’s not either-or.
MarkoRock68
Shaw was even worse in 2019. .239 was a big jump for him.
SJKinMD
I agree – would rather bring back Mitchum than Shaw. And Sox should be looking at Trevor Rosenthal or Sean Doolittle instead of Workman for the bullpen.
Rsox
The sox don’t need Shaw taking AB’s away from Dalbec. I know they want a LH option but if its not Moreland its probably not necessary
Dorothy_Mantooth
While I really like Dalbec, Boston can’t go into the season with just him & Chavis as their primary options at 1B. While Dalbec showed great power and a pretty good eye in the majors last year, he struck out in nearly 45% of his ABs. Now that they have film on him, pitchers will have a game plan for Dalbec so if he is unable to adjust to that, it could be a pretty ugly year for Dalbec at the plate. Given Chavis’ struggles last year too, he’s not the best fallback option either. Signing an experienced 1B as bench depth would be a good idea. As much as we all love Mitchy two-bags, Travis Shaw might have a little more upside. He certainly has a better health history than Moreland does, but I would be happy with either player. One thing’s for sure, it would be smart for Boston to add a cheap, veteran 1B with power just in case Dalbec struggles and needs to be sent down to work on his hit tool.
MarkoRock68
Shaw WRC+ last year was 92, the year before 48. If you guys crave a K in a key situation go for it.
Rsox
Looking at the last two seasons i don’t think anyone uses the words “Travis Shaw” and “upside” in the same sentence anymore. That said, Jake Lamb might be an interesting low risk signing.
jimmertee
Shaw is okay on a club that can’t or doesn’t want to win.
Dorothy_Mantooth
The longer Ozuna remains unsigned, the more likely he’ll be willing to sign another 1 year, high AAV deal. Enter AA and the Braves. This is their typical MO anyways. Strike early in free agency for a player or two they really like then wait out the market and see who they can get very late in FA on a short term deal. I still expect Atlanta to sign one more impact player; it’s just a question of when they will opt to do so.
SoCalBrave
He won’t sign another 1 year deal.
angt222
I can see Shaw going to Minnesota to DH. Don’t see them agreeing with Cruz on a new FA contract. Cruz goes to CWS.
Orioles Fan
Would be a nice pickup for the Orioles if they could get Foltynewicz
jay13
I am hoping he finds his way to Kansas City to be the next reclamation project.
Asfan0780
Braves need outfield and 3 b help. Matt Chapman and mark canha to braves for Austin Riley, drew waters, and Kyle muller
Mjshof
– Redsox are a waste of ink this year
– Chi Cubs need to blow it up
– Atlanta took their shot and may tweak things if the DH is back
– Jays are ballers. Keep on truckin
– Detroit just sad
– Baltimore – the team is racing the city to the bottom. It’ll be a tie and those ain’t Baby Ruth bars floating by
– LAA they try, but just can’t get a plan in place. Owner just isn’t up to the task, not a bad guy, but not good enough. Sad for Trout
Cohens_Wallet
Arte Moreno reminds me of a better version of the Wilpons. They want to do it but can’t get out of their own way.
Mjshof
Unfortunately I agree about Arte.
Neil G
I have no optimism that Folty will come close to regaining his all star form of a few years ago. Definitely time for Braves to move on. Maybe he will be serviceable somewhere but it won’t be Atlanta. I believe they are tired of that project.
Justin C.
They cut all ties with him a while ago.
raydh
I can see Folty to the Rays if he will sign for cheap. Otherwise a rebuilding team might take a chance that he will regain his old form. If he does they trade him midseason.
kyredsox17
Workman is a no brainer if he’s cheap. He’s not a closer but I’d love him back. Shaw/Moreland are interchangeable. I like Morelands glove more and he’s sustained success for his career so he gets the edge. Shaw should bounce back somewhat though.
OCTraveler
Dodgers need to make a decision on third base – two obvious options – resign Turner or decide that Rios can handle the job – of these two, I’d prefer An older, proven Turner over an inexperienced Rios.
Here’s a different take on their problem – made a trade with the M’s for Kyle Seager and sign him to at least two more years – third base issue resolved and hopefully family ties become an incentive for his brother to resign rather than leaving as a free agent next season.
Rsox
Dodgers love platoons so even if they decide Rios is the guy they will still need a RH to play 3B as well. If not Turner they would probably have to turn to a Jed Gyorko or Logan Forsythe to share 3B with Rios. Chris Taylor is still in house but doesn’t really play 3B and will probably share 2B with Gavin Lux
Spare Tire Dixon
LA has the farm system depth to kick the tires on Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez too.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Does anyone know the health status of Keone Kela? I know he missed most of last season with a forearm injury which is not a good sign but there are no reports of any UCL tears or surgery needed. If he is healthy, this is the type of RP that Boston should be going after. If there are no health concerns, they should sign him to a 3-4 year deal as he’s only turning 28 years old this year. If there are health concerns, sign him to a 1 year deal with a nice sized optioned attached to it. Kela can pitch anywhere at the back end of the bullpen, including as the closer. He has publicly stated that he’d love to pitch for Boston and play for Alex Cora too. I don’t understand the lack of action to date on Kela. He is definitely in the Top 10 of FA relief pitchers this season and still has upside to tap into. He has one of the best curve balls of any relief pitcher in MLB…I’d love to see him land in Boston and would prefer him (if healthy) over Alex Colome.
HBan22
I know that he is known as somewhat of a head case, so that may be part of the reason for the lack of interest in him.
Spare Tire Dixon
The Braves have run out of free agency options, so I still think an Ozuna reunion happens.
Spare Tire Dixon
If the Braves got Turner for 3B, I wonder if they give LF to Austin Riley or use him in a trade
Appalachian_Outlaw
My guess is they’d throw Riley in LF for the year. They’d probably want to see if he can hit since Turner wouldn’t be a long term solution, and it buys a year for Waters to develop.
I’m not sold on Riley. If he does hit though, I’d imagine he goes back to 3B when Waters is ready. If not, Atlanta will yet again need a 3B.
Spare Tire Dixon
Yeah, good point. Riley in LF for a year. Turner can DH once that gets established in 2022.
Spare Tire Dixon
I would like to see a power bat like Ozuna, but I also think the Braves have their own power bat in Acuna. He doesn’t have to lead off. He can hit clean-up. In that sense, it becomes more a matter of replacing a lead-off man than a power bat.
At this point, I would not be opposed to someone like Brett Gardner in LF. The Braves can try him, Albies, or Swanson in the leadoff spot.
1. Albies, 2B
2. Freeman, 1B
3. Acuna, RF
4. d’Arnaud, C
5. Swanson, SS
6. Riley, 3B
7. Gardner, LF
8. Pache, CF
Rsox
Gardner’s going back to the Yankees, if not he’ll probably retire
Spare Tire Dixon
I think so too. He seems like a career Yankee at this point in his career, especially considering NY needs some kind of LH bat
AL34
My question is when Bloom is going to pick up a noteworthy player prior to the season
Cohn Joppolella
Turner would be a good fit for the Braves but I just don’t see it happening.
Spare Tire Dixon
If the Braves were able to add that impact bat at 3B instead of LF, I assume they go cheap on LF. In that case, I would not mind seeing GA native Josh Reddick as a LH bat.
At this point, it seems to be down to one of:
– Re-sign Ozuna for LF, stick with Riley at 3B
– Sign Turner for 3B, get a cheap LF or use Riley in LF
– Offer a huge prospect package to someone for a big bat no one has snagged yet (Ramirez in Cleveland?)
Honestly, none of these options scream “Anthopolous-era Atlanta Braves” to me
Spare Tire Dixon
While the Rockies are in the giving mood with their expensive veterans, maybe Charlie Blackmon would be a viable option for Atlanta in LF, if the price was right? Certainly not at full AAV, but if the Braves could get them to take on Inciarte and/or absorb some of his remaining cash, the Rox could pick up a decent prospect or three from ATL.
ddd
People, People, People, You call yourselves Braves fans, yet you don’t understand how they operate. They aren’t a big spender. They have stuck to their plan so-far in keeping the young ” cheap ” prospects. We have won the division for 3 years now with those prospects. Don’t trade the farm away. They should only get better. You don’t trade away 2-3-4 prospects for a player you know you can’t afford after 1 or 2 years. We do need Ozona I think, with or without the DH. Trade Ender to the Cubs for Kimbrel. Sign Duval back and Markakis back. Riley is going to be good.
jimk
XXX is precisely correct that the Braves love young financially controllable players. Everyone else gets an in-house extension or a one year deal. And the Braves way works. Even without Soroka they came within a game of returning to the WS for the first time since 1999. They also spent wisely on front line pitching this winter.
Riley deserves at least a full-time full ML season to prove what he can do. He has power, he can handle 3B, and looked alright (better than Ozuna at least) in LF. Waters should be ready to take over LF in a year, but could arrive sooner (as could Shewmake as a lefty hitting 3B option). I think the Braves want an all-Golden Glove caliber OF eventually, and Waters-Pache-Acuna could be that.
So keep Riley and Waters and learn what their peak will be. Keep Muller, too, because he’ll be a big lefty option in the pen, if not the eventual successor to Smiley as the #2 lefty in the rotation. Our young pitching is very deep, but I’d hold onto Wright, Ynoa, and Wilson until we learn which of them will be strong enough to succeed Morton in the rotation in 2022 or 2023. Wilson’s gutsy post-season work shows he’s made of the right stuff. So the young expendables are perhaps Davidson, certainly Toussaint who’d be a much better fit elsewhere, Luke Jackson (please!) and perhaps Newcomb for the right controllable position player. There’s less to trade around the diamond. Inciarte and his contract can be had, and Contreras or Alex Jackson are likely to become available if Langeliers’ defense is as good as advertised.