Fansided

3 Braves trade targets to poach from the struggling Tigers

By Cody Williams

DETROIT, MI - MAY 3: Michael Lorenzen #21 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the New York Mets during the second inning of game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on May 3, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 3: Michael Lorenzen #21 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the New York Mets during the second inning of game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on May 3, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves Rumors, Braves trade targets, Jason Foley, Detroit Tigers
Jason Foley, Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Jason Foley as a Braves trade target would be a big-time bullpen upgrade

As they say, the reports of the Braves bullpen’s demise were greatly exaggerated.

Early in the season, key relievers in Atlanta like A.J. Minter and Riasel Iglesias were struggling pretty immensely with consistency, which is the last thing you want from the closers and set-up men coming out of the ‘pen. But over the past few weeks, that has been turned on its head as both have been absolute shutdown options at the end of games.

Having said that, bullpen depth is vital for contenders and, while the overall unit in Atlanta has been quite impressive this season, as they look toward the postseason and a possible World Series run, they could still be using the trade deadline to look for ways to deepen and upgrade the stockpile of relievers.

Subsequently, 27-year-old Jason Foley might be one of the most underrated possible Braves trade targets that could be had leading up to Aug. 1. Unlike Boyd, he’s not going to be as cheap because he has at least four years of club control remaining after this season. But when you have a guy pitching as well as he has in the 2023 season, it’s hard not to take a look.

In 27 appearances for Detroit this season, Foley has quietly been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball, posting a 1.37 ERA and 0.99 WHIP on the year. He’s been absolute nails for a team that hasn’t really taken full advantage of what he’s given them.

The Braves would not be that same situation, though. Moreover, Alex Anthopoulos has proven over the years that he has an affinity for trade targets with ample club control remaining so that he can lock them into early extensions. That could make Foley enticing while also giving Atlanta an elite bullpen trifecta of Foley, Minter and Iglesias to work in and close out big games together.

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