MLB rumors: Atlanta Braves receiving interest in starting pitchers
The Atlanta Braves are receiving trade interest in their starting pitching and could trade Gavin Floyd or Aaron Harang before the July 31 deadline, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
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With 23-year-old pitcher Alex Wood still in Triple-A and other teams making calls, the Braves are one of the few teams in baseball with the flexibility to deal a starter. It’s unlikely any of the team’s top guys get moved, obviously, but the extra depth could afford a deal of someone from the back of the rotation.
That would leave Floyd and Harang as the most likely trade candidates, and it’s not surprising both players are receiving interest.
Floyd, signed to a one-year deal during the offseason, has a 2.98 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 12 walks in his first eight starts after missing the beginning of the season due to injury, while Harang has a 3.20 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 32 walks in 14 starts this season.
Only Julio Teheran has been better among Atlanta’s starters this season, though the spots of Mike Minor and Ervin Santana seem secure at this point.
Part of the motivation for making a move would be freeing a spot for Wood, who has emerged as an intriguing young pitcher over the past couple years. In 18 appearances (including seven starts) earlier this season, Wood posted a 3.43 ERA with 63 strikeouts and just 15 walks.
Those are impressive numbers by the young lefty, but he was recently demoted to make room on the pitching staff. Barring an injury, the Braves have the depth to keep him in Triple-A, though the opportunity to make a trade, improve the offense and call up Wood admittedly seems appealing.