Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Braves should make

By Nicholas Ian Allen

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Matt Adams #18 after a 13-2 victory against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Matt Adams #18 after a 13-2 victory against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 29: Jaime Garcia #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on June 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 29: Jaime Garcia #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on June 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

5. Trade Jaime Garcia and Kurt Suzuki to the Rockies

The Rockies jumped out of the gate this season and raced to a 47-26 record by June 20, giving them a slight lead in a tight NL West over the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, and the trio held a comfortable cushion ahead of the Cubs in the Wild Card. Though Colorado finished the first half of the season with a 7.5-game lead in the NL Wild Card standings, the club limped to the finish, losing 13 of its final 18 games.

The Rockies did end on a high note when Kyle Freeland took a no-hitter into the ninth inning Sunday, which helped the rookie lefty finish the first half 9-7 with a 3.77 ERA in 18 starts. Freeland is one of four rookies to make at least nine starts for the club in the first half, a highly unusual number for a contending team.

Though Rockies Opening Day starter Jon Gray is finally off the DL after missing six weeks early in the season, and Chad Bettis is working his way back into playing shape after being diagnosed with cancer, it would make sense for the Rockies to add a veteran starter to the mix for the stretch run. Impending free agent Jaime Garcia, who is 207 with a 4.55 ERA in 16 starts with the Braves this season, could be a nice rental option.

The Rockies also need catching help. Colorado’s catchers rank as the third worst unit in the majors in terms of Wins Above Replacement this season, according to FanGraphs. Rockies backstops have hit just three home runs, which is the lowest total in the majors. Braves backup Kurt Suzuki, who has seven homers in 150 plate appearances and is playing on a one-year contract, would provide a boost.

Home/Atlanta Braves