The Braves signed two international prospects on Thursday, and in return they have to gather up the $3.4 million they spent in pool money. The Braves are looking to acquire pool money from around the league in order to avoid any penalties from the MLB, as they plan to be big spenders in 2016. In order to receive this money, the Braves are giving up young assets. The Braves traded outfielder Jordan Paroubeck and pitcher Caleb Dirks to the Dodgers for an international slot worth around $250K.
Dirks has had great success in our system as a reliever, giving up just 2 earned runs in 26.2 IP for Rome and Carolina this year. He could be a member of LA’s bullpen in a few years.
The real piece the Braves gave up was Jordan Paroubeck, a young outfielder who was acquired in the Craig Kimbrel deal. Paroubeck was a second rounder in 2013 for the Padres, and had a nice season in Rookie ball last year. I had him ranked 17th on SportsTalkATL’s Top 25 Prospect List.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the Braves thinking that the prospects they brought in have higher upside. Dirks and Paroubeck may have MLB futures, but the Braves are rolling the dice on Derian Cruz and Christian Pache. Only time will tell.