Moves the Atlanta Braves could make this off-season to solidify their pitching
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves are in a spot they were in 26 years ago and it's time to take a blast to the past by looking at pitchers that could help strengthen the Braves rotation. They are some key names out there and some you may not know, so lets get this show on the road.
Free Agent pitchers
Jeremy Hellickson Philadelphia Phillies
2016 stats: 12-10 3.71 ERA 145 K 189 IP
Hellickson may stay put but he will look at qualifying offers and test the ope market. He was supposed to be traded at the trade deadline but all of the offers fell through. He is a quality pitcher that could give the Braves quality innings.
Ivan Nova Pittsburgh Pirates
2016 stats: 12-8 4.17 ERA 127 K 162 IP
Nova is a guy that could be a end of the rotation type of pitcher who comes in a gives the ace an extra day of rest. Nova had 3 complete games which means that he can be dependable and reliable when it counts.
Jered Weaver Los Angeles Angels
Weaver could be solid in the middle of the rotation but he lacks control at times and his confidence takes a hit
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
2016 stats: 12-12 5.06 ERA 103 K 178 IP
Weaver was the next big thing about 5 years ago but he has struggled with consistency and control. He could be a legitimate #3 in the rotation but he serves up homeruns like a waitress at the Waffle House.
Pitching via trade
Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers
Verlander could give you about 3 solid seasons and become a mentor to their young pitching staff
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2016 stats: 16-9 3.04 ERA 254 K 227.2 IP
If the Braves could get him at a value meaning get the Tigers to chew up at least half of his massive $28 million in salary then giving them 3 prospects and Tehran would be a deal in my book.
Sonny Gray Oakland A's
2016 stats: 5-11 5.69 ERA 94 K 117 IP
Gray suffered a setback last season and a change of scenery just might be what he needs. He has great stuff and only pitched 117 innings last season and did have 94 strikeouts but his ERA ballooned to nearly 6.00. He could come over for a couple of minor leaguers.
Chris Sale Chicago White Sox
Sale can come right in and be an ace on the staff and the Braves would have to give up a lot but I think he would be a good pitcher to build a solid rotation around
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2016 stats: 17-10 3.34 ERA 233 K 226.2 IP
Sale has been on the market since hits tirade with management so look for him to be gone out of the Windy city. The would have to give up Tehran in this deal plus 2 or 3 prospects. Atlanta has a deep farm system, so I'm looking into his availability if I'm the Braves.
Tyler Anderson Colorado Rockies
2016 stats: 5-6 3.54 ERA 99 K 114.1 IP
This young left hander could be of use to the Braves because they could use some left handed pitching in the rotation. Anderson has a funny throwing motion but can get the ball over the plate. He is not the flashiest pitcher but could give you a solid 6 innings a start and he would come at a bargain.
These are just a couple of pitchers that could help Atlanta's rotation and bullpen and keep the Braves moving in the right direction.
