Braves: 1 player who boosted trade value in spring training

The Atlanta Braves don’t want to trade Bryse Wilson, but they’ll surely have more callers about his services now.

The 23-year-old hurler impressed last postseason, as the Braves came just one game away from the World Series. Wilson is used in a hybrid long relief/starter role, and will likely get his chance at becoming an everyday member of the Braves rotation come Opening Day. His impressive spring training, paired with Atlanta’s need of a fifth starter, makes him an important addition at this point.

However, eventually, Wilson will become more expendable. When Mike Soroka is fully comfortable and returns from injury, Wilson will either force the Braves to keep him in the rotation due to his solid play, or will be moved to the bullpen in a traditional long relief role. Either way, the Braves can trade him as part of a larger package for, say, a Kris Bryant or another star potentially on the move.

Braves: Should Atlanta make Bryse Wilson expendable?

The Braves are in a fairly lucky position. They have the pitching depth necessary to make a World Series run, and possess enough young talent to add to positions of need come the MLB Trade Deadline. That, if ever, is when a Wilson move would be considered.

Atlanta won’t want to part with any of their top prospects, which includes a Cristian Pache and Drew Waters. Wilson serves as an intermediary of sorts. He’s a proven MLB pitcher and still young enough to be considered on the upswing.

This spring, Wilson has a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched — the most for the Braves thus far. He’s separated himself in the fifth starter competition from Kyle Wright, if the Braves are being honest with themselves.

Eventually, he could become an even greater asset for Alex Anthopoulos.