The Braves could use Markakis or Smith to deal for starting pitching help at the major league level that they need. Outside of Julio Teheran, the rotation was a big issue last season. Matt Wisler tied Teheran in leading the team in wins with seven, however, he had an ERA of 5.00. Aaron Blair made 15 starts and had an ERA over 7.00.
The Braves managed to take guys like Lucas Harrell, Bud Norris and Jholys Chacin and flip them for more prospects which is exactly the right play.
Other prospects came up and didn’t provide much. Guys like John Gant, Robert Whalen, Casey Kelly and Tyrell Jenkins didn’t show much.
The Braves could use a veteran or two in the rotation to help provide innings and leadership and bridge the gap to guys like Sean Newcomb and Kolby Allard are ready.
If the Braves are truly going to be competive next season, they need to address the rotation, especially in a division that has talented starting pitchers up and down the rosters.
Another spot Atlanta could use an upgrade at is second base. Jace Peterson seems like he could be a useful guy off the bench, but I’m not quite sure he’s a full time second baseman. Peterson hit .254 with a .715 OPS. Ozzie Albies is the second baseman of the future. But that future may not be next year.
Albies hit AAA last season and hit .248 in his age 19 season. He fractured his elbow in early September and missed the rest of the season. I can’t see the Braves rushing him to the majors.
The issue is on the free agent market that there isn’t much at the position. Could they go after Neil Walker coming off back surgery? Could they sign Aaron Hill as a veteran stopgap? Could they make a trade with the Reds for Brandon Phillips who went to high school in Georgia? Phillips has one year left on his deal and is a recognizable face for the fan base, something that could entice the Braves to go after him.
If the Braves can address all five things I talked about in the affirmative, they can easily find themselves out of the cellar of the NL East next year. It’s a great time to be a Braves fan. There’s a lot of hope and youth surrounding this club. They may need a couple more years, but the Atlanta Braves are certainly trending upward.