This continues my series of potential trade targets for the Braves. So far, my focus has primarily been on left-handed bats, but I’ve also talked about some right-handed bats and right-handed relievers that make some sense. This will be my first starting pitcher and most likely my last because it’s the only one I believe makes a shred of sense.
If you missed any of the previous parts of this series, follow the links below.
Luis Castillo
A few months before the season, you would have heard me clamoring for the Braves to trade for Luis Castillo. I absolutely love his repertoire, and last Sunday, he showed us why he will be so coveted at the trade deadline, tossing seven innings of one-run ball against a red-hot Braves lineup.
Castillo has some of the best overall stuff on the planet. This season, he’s boasting a fantastic 3.09 ERA, and he’s been even better as of late, posting a 2.65 ERA over his last nine starts. Throw in the fact that he will undoubtedly be the best starter traded at the deadline and also comes with an extra year of control after this season, and it will take an arm and a leg to acquire him.
But with the emergence of Kyle Wright and Spencer Strider, I no longer think trading for a starting pitcher is necessary. In fact, it would actually be a poor use of resources by the Braves, which is why I find it highly unlikely Alex Anthopoulos deals for one unless an injury or two occurs.
With that being said, if the Braves were to add a starting pitcher, it would be a frontline guy. There’s no need to bring in a veteran innings-eater type. The only reason Anthopoulos should look to trade for a starter is if he’s a game-changer, which Luis Castillo would be. Unfortunately, I don’t see the price being right for the Braves to pull the trigger.
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