Jonny Venters has been a big piece of the Braves bullpen the past few years, but could they consider dealing him? (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Despite having an enviable depth in their bullpen, there appears little reason for the Atlanta Braves to make a move involving one of their key relief options. However, it would appear that there has been some talk among scouts that the Braves could in fact listen to offers on left-hander Jonny Venters, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Talk among scouts that #Braves will listen on Venters. Braves, though, say they love depth in their bullpen, including 3 LHs with Avilan.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 6, 2013
Atlanta has a trio of quality left-handed options in their bullpen in Venters, Eric O’Flaherty, and Luis Avilan that they appear to be quite fond of. Alongside closer Craig Kimbrel and a hopefully healthy Jordan Walden and the Braves just might have one of the best group of relievers in the Major Leagues. They certainly could look to move one of their left-handed options to help address another need, but there is zero necessity for the team do so at this point in time. If they were to seriously contemplate moving Venters, however, he could stir up a good amount of interest across the league. Teams are always in search of quality left-handed relievers and Venters has arguably been among the game’s best in recent years. He’s slated to earn just $1.63 Million this season, his first year of arbitration eligibility, and he’ll remain under team control for two more years before reaching free agency. Venters has made 230 appearances for the Braves over the past three seasons, posting a 2.23 ERA, 1.241 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9 over 229.2 IP.