News Now :Braves reveals 5 players to trade before opening day
|Braves reveals 5 players to trade before opening day
The Atlanta Braves, a prominent team heading into the 2024 MLB season, boast a stacked lineup led by reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. and a pitching staff with elite arms and depth. While their roster appears complete on paper, there’s always room for improvement or the opportunity to bolster minor league depth through trades.
Although the Braves may not be actively seeking trades before the season starts, they remain open to possibilities that
could enhance their roster or address pressing needs. Here are a few players who could be available for the right deal:
1. Dylan Dodd: Emerging as a contender for the Braves’ rotation last spring due to Kyle Wright’s injury, Dodd’s initial MLB
stint in 2023 yielded mixed results with a 7.60 ERA in 34.1 innings. Despite this, Dodd showcased potential with a variety
of pitches from the left side, although he faced arm soreness and fatigue following his strong spring training performance.
Currently, Dylan Dodd finds himself in a peculiar position regarding his future
with the Braves. While the team values him and acknowledges the rarity of left-handed pitchers with multiple quality
pitches, Atlanta boasts considerable depth in starting pitching, potentially placing Dodd lower in the hierarchy. With other pitchers like Bryce Elder and
AJ Smith-Shawver on the 40-man roster and prospects like Hurston Waldrep and Luis De Avila in the minors, Dodd has become a dispensable asset that could
attract interest from pitching-needy teams before the 2024 season commences. Although the Braves shouldn’t rush into a trade, given the
adage that one can never have enough pitching, Dodd could be a viable trade candidate for the right offer.
Huascar Ynoa stands out for his exceptional arm talent within the Braves’ organization. Bursting onto the scene in the first half of 2021 with his impressive
fastball, Ynoa appeared poised to secure a spot as one of the Braves’ starters. However, a string of injuries culminated
in Tommy John surgery in 2022, sidelining him from the big league roster. Now presumably healthy, Ynoa’s versatility to start or pitch out of the
bullpen could appeal to teams seeking a power arm. Considering the Braves’ bullpen depth and Ynoa’s past injury
concerns, trading him for talent that bolsters the lower minors might be a prudent move. However, teams will
likely await confirmation of his fitness and performance during spring training before pursuing a deal.
JP Martinez, acquired by the Braves earlier in the offseason to reinforce their
outfield depth, presents another potential trade candidate. While the
Braves lack depth behind their everyday outfielders, Martinez’s minor league numbers, including a .961 OPS at Triple-A and 38 stolen bases, showcase his
potential. Yet, with other speedy outfield options like Forrest Wall and Eli White in contention this spring, Martinez could be made available for the right trade offer.
Darius Vines is an underrated pitching prospect who has consistently delivered impressive results since being drafted by
the Braves in 2019. While he may not possess elite velocity, his offspeed and breaking pitches have been effective in
generating swings and misses. Vines showcased his abilities with a solid big league debut in 2023, posting a 3.98 ERA
in 20.1 innings. As he competes for a spot in the Braves’ rotation during spring training, if it appears that Vines might not secure a roster spot, Atlanta should
contemplate trading him. At 25 years old and lacking the profile of a reliever, Vines could fetch value as a rotation
option for a team in need. However, retaining him as insurance against potential pitching injuries is also a viable option for the Braves.
Spencer Schwellenbach quietly impressed with a 2.49 ERA in his first 16 starts as a professional last season. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery
shortly after being drafted in 2021, Schwellenbach’s transition from shortstop and reliever to starting pitcher has shown promise. However, his
progress through the minor leagues has been relatively slow compared to other pitching prospects in the Braves’ system. While his power repertoire keeps him on
Atlanta’s radar, their cautious approach with him suggests that he may be viewed as a long-term project. If other teams value Schwellenbach more highly, the
Braves should be open to including him in a trade, especially if it aligns with their roster-building strategy.
Get related article>>>>https://kvibezsport.co.uk/?p=7343&preview=true