Braves: 3 trades Alex Anthopoulos should avoid
By John Buhler
2. Just allow the starting rotation to get fully healthy than give up on the future
This is the one I’m not really interested in arguing with a wall over. You just gotta have faith, man. Max Fried is going to return in the coming weeks, and maybe we get Kyle Wright back before October? Regardless, Braves Country can trust for Bryce Elder, Charlie Morton and Spencer Strider to deliver for them in the second half like they have all year long for them in the starting rotation.
In time, yes, the Braves will need a proven and reliable fourth starter for October baseball. The good news is Fried is guaranteed to be that guy. Plus, the Braves still have time to see what other pitchers such as Kolby Allard, Michael Soroka and AJ Smith-Shawver can do, too. Simply put, the Braves have plenty of arms to go the distance in October; it’s just not all at the big-league level.
The only reason to consider trading for a starter, and what it would cost to give up for one of quality, is if Anthopoulos thinks he can find Morton’s long-term successor in the rotation. Chuck shoves, and we love that he shoves, but he’s about to be 40. His arm is still incredibly lively and stuff is as good as it has always been. The question is if he wants to keep pitching beyond 2023.
There is little to no reason to deplete a lesser farm system to add a starter that you may not need.