MLB Rumors: Trade grades for Braves, Aroldis Chapman, Aaron Hicks

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. Here are three potential trade fits graded by FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray.

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, and buyers and sellers establishing themselves by the day, let’s take a preview of what may be to come.

The Atlanta Braves will be looking for pitching, especially with Max Fried and Kyle Wright on the Injured List long-term. The Chicago Cubs, if they are in position to buy, will be looking for bullpen help. And Aaron Hicks should draw interest despite a shaky tenure with the New York Yankees.

Let’s grade three potential trade fits.

Atlanta Braves: Kyle Freeland

Admittedly, Colorado Rockies Kyle Freeland wasn’t a player that I considered as a potential trade candidate until FanSided’s Cody Williams wrote about it the other day. And it makes sense.

Freeland, now 30, is signed to a five-year, $64.5 million contract on a Rockies team that is unlikely to contend for the foreseeable future. Considering his production — a 3.88 ERA and 38/12 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 53.1 innings — the Rockies could get a sizable haul in return that could help set up their next window of contention.

The Braves surely could make plenty of sense as a trade suitor, and they should have no issues taking on Freeland’s contract. The fit makes plenty of sense, both on the field and on paper, and should be something that Atlanta explores. The only thing that could hold up any potential deal is the Rockies’ recent unwillingness to part with talent on the major-league roster at the deadline. See: Daniel Bard, CJ Cron and Chad Kuhl from last season’s deadline.

Grading the fit: 7/10.