3 starting pitchers Braves need to trade for at the deadline
By John Buhler
Johnny Cueto. Pick Analysis. RHP. 1. player. 40. Scouting Report. San Francisco Giants
While adding Robbie Ray or Mike Minor as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter to the Braves’ rotation would be splendid, the top target for them has to the right-hander Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants. After the Mark Melancon deal ahead of the 2019 MLB trade deadline, perhaps the Braves and Giants can orchestrate another blockbuster trade to help both parties out?
In Cueto, the Braves could get a proven right-hander with World Series pedigree to bolster their rotation. Keep in mind Cueto was a huge addition to the Kansas City Royals’ roster when they defeated the New York Mets in the 2015 Fall Classic. He then went on to sign a multi-year deal with the Giants that hasn’t honestly worked out due to injury after injury.
After making 32 starts in his second MLB All-Star season of 2016, Cueto made 25 in 2017 and hasn’t made more than nine in a season since. However, he does seem to be healthy, as he leads the league with four starts on the 2020 campaign. While his ERA isn’t in a good spot at 5.40, if he can prove that he’s healthy, he’ll be a huge trade asset for the Giants on an expiring deal.
Next. Astros ignited brawl by insulting Ramon Laureano’s mom. dark
Through 17 games, the Giants are 7-10. While they are in fourth place in the AL West division, the Giants are only half a game out of the final NL postseason spot. With the NL West possibly getting three teams in this year, as the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres getting off to hot starts, San Francisco may decide to be a seller here in a few weeks.