Atlanta Braves Rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid
By Mark Powell
Braves trade to avoid: Shane Bieber
Sure, Shane Bieber is available for trade, but unless the Braves plan on signing him long term he isn’t worth the price tag. Trading for Bieber would require Atlanta to trade away their best prospects and then some. It’s important to note that the Braves farm system isn’t exactly the strongest, making this deal more about quantity than quality. Anthopoulos would have to empty the cupboard. That’s a lot to ask.
In an article I wrote earlier Saturday, I outlined exactly what it would take to land Bieber. The likes of Vaughn Grissom, Jared Shuster and A.J. Smith-Shawver are a good place to start. Grissom could be the Braves shortstop of the future. Shuster is a former first-round pick and already in the starting rotation. Smith-Shawver is just 20 years old and already in the major leagues. He’s on the fast track to joining the rotation as well.
Is all of that worth giving up for any one player, especially one who will be a free agent after next season? Bieber comes with an expense, and if Atlanta is willing to pay him, why not just sign Max Fried, who is currently on the roster and has proven he can pitch in the postseason?
Trading for Bieber, especially with a looming free agent in Fried already on the roster, would go against the grain for Anthopoulos. I don’t see it happening.