MLB Rumors: 3 teams who should trade for Mike Foltynewicz
Mike Foltynewicz was designated for assignment after a rough outing Monday night, and these three teams should trade for him.
Atlanta Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz made his first start of the season Monday night. It did not go well, as he allowed six runs in four hits over 3.1 innings. This short season makes it hard to be patient, and the Braves designated Foltynewicz for assignment after the game.
Foltynewicz had a breakout season in 2018, with a 2.85 ERA a 9.9 K/9 and a 3.3 BB/9 over 31 starts (183 innings). He made the NL All-Star team, and finished eighth in the Cy Young voting. He started 2019 in Triple-A, and during his time with the Braves last year he posted a 4.54 ERA over 21 starts.
Foltynewicz had noted drop in velocity Monday night, which was a manifestation of concerns about his stuff during summer camp.
#Braves' Mike Foltynewicz, a 2018 All-Star, will be DFA'd by after his latest poor start tonight. Snit said they could use an opener or couple other options in his spot in 5 days. Told Folty already. "His stuff hasn't been there," Snitker said.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 28, 2020
Mike Foltynewicz averaged 96.3 MPH on his four seamer in 2018... 94.8 MPH last season and in his start today 90.9 MPH pic.twitter.com/W6tGs1Xlxq
— Daren Willman (@darenw) July 28, 2020
Still, Foltynewicz is 28 years old and not far removed from a good season. A change of scenery might do him good, and the state of pitching injuries early this season he won’t lack for suitors. The Braves have 10 days to trade him, or then he’ll be placed on irrevocable waivers. The fact he is out of minor league options likely led to the drastic move to DFA him.
Teams could just wait and make a waiver claim on Foltynewicz. But there would be an argument to give up something of value, if only to get to the front of the line and not be subject to waiver order.
In any case, these three teams should be looking to trade for Foltynewicz.
3 teams who should trade for Mike Foltynewicz
AL. Houston Astros. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 135. West. 3
It was a different regime, but the Astros drafted Foltynewicz in the first round (19th overall) of the 2010 draft before trading him to the Braves in a deal that netted them Evan Gattis in January of 2015.
The Astros lost Gerrit Cole in free agency, along with rotation depth options Wade Miley and Collin McHugh. Now Justin Verlander is out indefinitely with a forearm issue. Brad Peacock began the season on the 10-day IL with a shoulder issue. Jose Urquidy missed all of summer camp for undisclosed reasons, and has just been cleared to resume baseball activities.
The Astros’ list of proven, capable arms has gotten thin rather quickly for a team with high expectations. Taking a flier on Foltynewicz has to be on the radar, with their history of unlocking pitchers (Cole, Verlander, Charlie Morton etc.) firmly in mind.