As we’ve seen before, Alex Anthopoulos is not one to sit on his hands at the trade deadline. However, I don’t see him mortgaging the big pieces in the farm system for a relatively weak market this deadline. The trade scenarios posted here involve Atlanta giving up their #12, #14, #18, and #24 prospects according to MLB.com. However, the return is a starter & third baseman with World Series rings along with a closer who can be lights out at his best, all without giving away any guys who are a part of the big picture.
Lucas Sims and Ricardo Sanchez for Joakim Soria
Joakim Soria has had a solid year for the White Sox, he spots a 2.94 ERA with 12 saves. He’s also struck out 41 in 33.2 innings against 8 walks. Soria is also under control for 2019. Sims is in the same scenario as Matt Wisler, bouncing back and forth between Atlanta and Gwinnett with less than impressive spot starts. However, to be blunt, nobody wants Wisler. Lucas has gotten knocked around in limited action in Atlanta, but his 2.04 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 61.2 innings in Gwinnett still leaves a bit of optimism. Ricardo Sanchez has an electric fastball, and the lefty came into Atlanta’s system as a 17 year old in 2015. He’s struggled in Mississippi, but with the right coaching, he could be an elite setup man or a low end starter.
Bryse Wilson, Derian Cruz, Rio Ruiz, and Braxton Davidson for Mike Moustakas
Given his contract and recent slump, this package is actually a bit generous for Moose. He’s currently sitting at .251 with 17 Home Runs, and while he’s on a one year pact, he won’t tie up any future payroll unless the Braves exercise his modest $15 million option for next year. Bryse Wilson is a great pitcher, but he’s expendable given the talent behind him in Florida. Ian Anderson, Joey Wentz, and Kyle Muller will all be due for promotions soon. Derian Cruz has had a slow start in Rome but is still oozing with upside. He also plays 2nd Base, so he is more than expendable. Rio Ruiz has shown promise in Atlanta but he’s stuck in Gwinnett, and will not be taking Austin Riley’s job anytime soon after he returns from injury. Honestly, I’m just sick of Braxton Davidson at this point. The only reason he has a roster spot is because he’s a bonus baby. If he doesn’t start hitting in Kansas City, it will probably be his last stop in professional baseball. He’s 22 in A+ hitting .169, but the raw power is there as evident with his 13 Home Runs.
Dustin Peterson and Tucker Davidson for Mike Fiers
Mike Fiers has been one of the few bright spots on a Detroit club that was selecting first in the Rule 4 Draft a month ago, and his playoff experience in Houston and ability to eat innings is something Atlanta should be seeking at the deadline. Fiers has a 3.65 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 17 starts, and he’s just 1 inning short of 100 for the season. He is on a 1 year, $6 million deal. With LA and New York focused on Michael Fulmer, the Braves could swoop in and get a steal in Fiers. Peterson has basically no hope of playing in Atlanta anytime soon with Ronald Acuna manning Left Field and All Star™ Right Fielder Nick Markakis having one of the best seasons of his career. His bat still holds plenty of value, and the Braves #14 prospect would slot nicely into a Tigers outfield that currently has… *squints* Jim Adduci, Mike Mahtook, JaCoby Jones, and Victor Reyes. Tucker Davidson is a fast riser in Atlanta’s system, but isn’t nearly as talented as his fellow rotation mates in Florida. The lefty sports a 4.11 ERA, but is coming off of a 7 inning scoreless outing this week.
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