The White Sox’s fall from grace should be studied. Once viewed in a similar light as the Braves, featuring a young team appearing on the cusp of something special, they have quickly reverted back to being one of the worst teams in all of baseball not even a half decade later. This is a team headed toward an inevitable fire sale, and according to Bob Nightingale, they plan to make several key veterans available ahead of the trade deadline.
The #WhiteSox are “expected to trade” RHP Erick Fedde, RHP Chris Flexen, RHP Mike Clevinger, RHP Michael Kopech, DH Eloy Jimenez, and OF Tommy Pham this summer, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/IPw3mtT720
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) May 6, 2024
The Braves are amid one of their more abysmal stretches in recent memory, losers of five of six, including getting swept in three games at Chavez Ravine. However, I would still say the panic meter is about as close to zero as possible. Wholesale changes are not necessary as long as the team stays healthy, but minor improvements could go a long way to winning a seventh straight division title, and hopefully, another World Series.
Here are the guys from Nightengale’s list that pique my interest.
Erick Fedde
Fans might remember Fedde from his days with the Washington Nationals when he was the Braves punching bag for six years. The stuff isn’t overwhelming, but he’s putting together a career year with Chicago, recording a 3.46 ERA and 9.5 K/9 through his first seven starts. You can never have enough pitching depth, and Fedde shouldn’t cost much to acquire at the trade deadline.
Michael Kopech
This is the most intriguing name on the entire list. Kopech has experience as both a starter and reliever. His stuff is incredible but control has always been an issue. However, the White Sox aren’t exactly known for developing starting pitchers. Perhaps a change of scenery could do him wonders. Velocity plays in the postseason, and if there’s one thing Kopech can do, it’s bring heat.
Eloy Jimenez
Jimenez looked as if he was on track to superstardom early in his career, but he’s become nothing more than an average player over the last couple of seasons. Again, this is a relatively young player with a lot of talent who desperately could use a change of scenery. The Braves don’t really have a glaring need for another bat, but taking a flier on an underachieving 27-year-old with a lot of talent is never a bad idea.
Tommy Pham
I’m not quite sure what happened to Tommy Pham this offseason. He was a good player last season and helped lead the Diamondbacks to a World Series after they acquired him at the trade deadline. However, nobody seemed to want him this offseason, and he ended up settling for a one-year deal with the White Sox in mid-April. Pham isn’t a world-beater, but he’s proven to be a clutch player, and the Braves could use a little more asshole in their clubhouse. If Jarred Kelenic continues to struggle with the stick, I wouldn’t be against adding some insurance at the trade deadline.
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Photographer: Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire
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