MLB trade grades: Braves deal for Rockies reclamation project in bullpen revamp

The Atlanta Braves are expected to make several minor upgrades to their pitching staff prior to the deadline. That started on Monday with a trade for Pierce Johnson of the Rockies.

The stove is ON, technically! While far from the biggest name to be traded this deadline (we hope), Pierce Johnson of the Colorado Rockies has a new team. Johnson was traded to Atlanta for two minor leaguers, per Mark Feinsand.

The trade, outlined below, sends a decent prospect package back to Colorado in return.

Now, the Braves system is far from elite, but Vodnik is their No. 10 prospect, and Gordon is ranked 26th. That’s two top-30 prospect for a rental reliever with an ERA over six. Frankly, it’s not a bad get for a Rockies team without much leverage in any trade for Johnson.

MLB trade grades: Who won Rockies-Braves deal for Pierce Johnson?

Atlanta Braves trade grade: B-

If I’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s not to doubt Alex Anthopoulos. AA is one of the best front office executives in baseball for a reason. He must see something in Johnson, who should immediately slide into a relief role for the big-league club. For Atlanta’s sake, let’s hope they get the 2021 version of Johnson, who had a 3.22 ERA with the San Diego Padres. Since then, he’s taken a major step back for Colorado, but perhaps some of that is the Coors Field effect.

Colorado Rockies trade grade: A-

At 23 years old, Vodnik is nearing the end of his minor-league leash. He has a 3.10 ERA in Double-A Mississippi this season. With a rebuilding team like Colorado, he likely has a better chance of receiving a big-league opportunity. Vodnik is no doubt the prize of this trade package in the outset. Gordon is a starting pitcher, but has struggled for much of the last two seasons. This year, he’s sporting a 5.86 ERA — and an ERA over eight with triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves have given him enough chances. Still, receiving two decent minor-league arms for an expiring contract is a good haul for the Rockies.