Braves Bargain Bin Options
Three guys that the Braves could kick the tires on; one being a possible Verlander value for half the money.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has handed out 1-year “Prove It” deals to Braves free agent acquisitions like Oprah hands out gifts to the audience at her live on-set talk show. Given the plethora of MiLB arms knocking on the door, his approach in addressing the holes in the 2022 rotation should be business as usual in Atlanta.
Charlie Morton, Max Fried, & Ian Anderson have the front of the rotation locked down; but the No. 4 & 5 spots are up for grabs. The No. 5 guy is in danger of being relegated to the bullpen or moved altogether, should Mike Soroka return healthy at some point in 2022.
With 1st Base & multiple outfield positions needing to be filled, most likely for a hefty price, the back end of the rotation may be where Anthopoulos tries to find a bargain.
I’ve identified three options that should be relatively affordable that also have a history of being above average or impact MLB pitchers.
James Paxton
Age: 33
Previous Contract: 1-year/$8,500,000 with the Seattle Mariners
Overview: Since going 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA in 2019 with the Yankees, Paxton has only pitched in six games over the last two seasons. He threw 1.1 innings for the Mariners last season, surrendering one earned run & striking out two before being lost for the season due to Tommy John. He has the talent to impact a rotation, winning double-digit games each season from 2017-2019. He carries a 12.8 career WAR & threw a no-hitter in 2018 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Big Maple fits the mini-trend of Anthopoulos SP signings, in that he’s a soft-throwing lefty that knows how to navigate a big league lineup. Examples: Dallas Keuchel & Drew Smyly. With his last contract being for $8.5M, there’s just no way he gets more than that in this year’s market, unless somebody with deep pockets like the Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, or Red Sox panics & just sends it in hopes of a career-saving season.