Braves Rumors: Max Fried return, trade deadline explained, prospect debut coming
By Mark Powell
Alex Anthopoulos catches some heat for Braves trade deadline
The starting pitching market was hot at this year’s trade deadline, with the likes of Aaron Civale, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and more changing hands. While Atlanta reportedly did their due diligence on Verlander, who pitched for their division rival in New York, they refused to meet the Mets price tag.
Starting rotation was undoubtedly Atlanta’s biggest weakness heading into Tuesday’s deadline. However, with the return of Max Fried on Friday, it’s almost as if the Braves landed a big fish after all. Fried is likely to be on a pitch limit to start, but when he’s back at full strength, the Braves rotation should look much better.
- Max Fried
- Spencer Strider
- Charlie Morton
- Bryce Elder
- Michael Soroka/AJ Smith-Shawver/Jared Shuster/Yonny Chirinos/Dylan Dodd/Allan Winans
Yes, that No. 5 starter role is a bit of a mess right now. Rather than acquiring, say, a Jack Flaherty-type, Alex Anthopoulos instead went with the by-committee approach, trusting what he has in his system. It also helps that Kyle Wright is on the mend.
Wright, a 20-game winner just a year ago, has also been on the injured list for some time now. It’s unclear if he’ll be back in time for the postseason, but the expectation around the Braves is that Wright could make a rehab start or two in September. He’s already in a throwing program of his own.
With reinforcements on the way, Anthopoulos didn’t see fit to rid an already-thin farm system of more prospect capital. AA did address the bullpen to some extent, trading for Pierce Johnson and Brad Hand. Nicky Lopez should add some important middle-infield depth. Left field still leaves much to be desired.
Thankfully for Atlanta, there are still several veteran options available on the waiver wire, with more to come.