Atlanta Braves: 1 dream trade involving every other NL East team
By Mark Powell
Braves trade suitor: The Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies may be among the most likely suitor of the bunch. Philadelphia has a lot of money tied up in a few players, and they aren’t playing up to their expectations. Philly sports media has painted this week’s series against the Braves as a fork in the road. Depending on how it goes, it could signal to the Phillies front office that the time to sell is coming.
Aaron Nola is one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy. However, he’s in a contract year and negotiations with the Phillies haven’t gone well thus far. Dave Dombrowski sang Nola’s praises, but the two sides tabled talks until after the season, when the ace will be a free agent.
“We think the world of Aaron — quality pitcher, quality human being,” Dombrowski told reporters. “Sometimes you just get to this point where you’re just not able to consummate a deal that both sides feel comfortable [with]. Aaron knows we are very open-minded in trying to sign him at the end of the season. We’re hopeful he’ll remain a Phillie for a long time.”
Nonetheless, the likelihood of the Phils trading one of their best pitchers to a division rival is low, especially considering he’ll be a free agent after the season, thus giving Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos a chance to re-sign him.
Grade: C-