Braves: Who Says No — Frankie Montas Trade Package

The Braves making moves with the Oakland A’s; where have we heard this one before? Atlanta doesn’t have many needs outside of potentially having to bolster the outfield, nor does Oakland have many players that could fill those needs. However, we’ve heard chatter that the Braves could be trading for a starter, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Frankie Montas was a coveted man around the trade deadline.

https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1550272211126206465?s=20&t=wN6V1YMWE5SipQQSmXb62g

This will be a pretty big return, which is expected for a true frontline starter. If you missed any previous editions of this series, they’re listed below:

• Braves: Who Says No — Andrew Benintendi Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Brandon Drury Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Ian Happ Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Josh Rojas Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Colorado Rockies Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Cavan Biggio Trade Package
• Braves: Who Says No — Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Package

The Players:

RHP Frankie Montas

Innings Pitched: 99.2

ERA: 3.16

WHIP: 1.084

FIP: 3.23

Strikeouts: 105

fWAR: +2.1

At 29 years old, Montas doesn’t fit Oakland’s timeline. He’s been fantastic in 2022, and any team looking for a frontline starter should absolutely be calling Oakland about his services. He has one more year of control after this season, so although he’s not a true rental, you’re banking on winning a championship within the next two seasons unless you want to extend him. I don’t think that would be a big problem for Atlanta.

 

The Package:

RHP Ian Anderson, #2 LHP Kyle Muller, #6 OF Jesse Franklin, #8 RHP Freddy Tarnok

This gives the Braves a chance to clear out a few logjams and give Ian Anderson a fresh start. Anderson is only 24, so he fits Oakland’s timeline. You’re playing with fire dealing Anderson — you can’t forget he has a 1.26 ERA in 35.2 career playoff innings. However, Montas is a true ace-level pitcher, and a five-headed monster of Fried, Wright, Montas, Strider, and Morton is dangerous when the playoffs come around. The Braves could also still have the money to make a run at Jacob deGrom in 2022. With the MLB Draft completed, the Braves have added multiple high school pitchers to their farm system. They can look to rebuild the minors while sending out some guys who are talented but may not find roles in Atlanta any time soon.

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