Atlanta Braves: Braves and Dodgers make huge deal to open up 2019
The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers stole headlines today with a major trade that involves huge money moving.
The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers made a trade on Saturday that shook up not just the rosters for both teams, but also shook up the financial situation of both clubs and their flexibility in the 2018-2019 free agent market!
The entire deal has outfielder Matt Kemp headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for lefty Scott Kazmir, righty Brandon McCarthy, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, and utility man Charlie Culberson.
What the Atlanta Braves received
Braves fans really do not need to worry about Adrian Gonzalez threatening Freddie Freeman‘s playing time. Gonzalez was immediately designated for assignment, and that will almost certainly lead to his release, costing the Braves $22.4 million.
Kazmir missed much of 2017 due to hip issues, but he returned from surgery in 2013 and had been excellent since then, making 118 starts, throwing 667 2/3 innings, with a 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 7.4% walk rate, and 21.9% strikeout rate. He will make $17.7 million in 2018 before becoming a free agent after the season. The Braves will hope that he can provide left-handed starts to the rotation.
McCarthy has faced odd injuries over his career, especially his time with the Dodgers, but he was excellent in 19 starts with the Dodgers last season and could provide a solid #4/5 starter. Last season, he went 6-4 in 19 games (16 starts), throwing 92 2/3 innings, with a 3.98 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, a 7% walk rate, and an 18.8% strikeout rate. He will make $11.5 million in 2018 and be a free agent after the season.
Culberson is still in pre-arbitration, and he will be eligible for arbitration for the first time after 2018. Before his postseason heroics, Culberson hit .154 on the season for the Dodgers, and he’s primarily known for his defensive skills as a backup player, something the Braves have been seeking.
What the Los Angeles Dodgers received
Like Gonzalez, Matt Kemp is unlikely to ever put on a Dodgers uniform (again). He is due $43.5 million for the next two seasons, and the Padres will be paying a total of $5 million of his contract, so the financial hit when the Dodgers release Kemp is going to be $38.5 million.
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Both the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers are now going to have some significant financial freedom for the 2018-2019 monster free agent class.
That class includes players such as Bryce Harper, Brian Dozier, Josh Donaldson, Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Charlie Blackmon, Andrew McCutchen, A.J. Pollock, Gio Gonzalez, Dallas Keuchel, Cody Allen, Kelvin Herrera, Zach Britton, and Andrew Miller.
Also, Clayton Kershaw and David Price are among players who can opt out of their contracts (not to mention options that may not be picked up as well).
Next: Atlanta Braves Offseason Blueprint
This trade will be more notable for things other than the players involved. This move should open an outfield spot for super prospect Ronald Acuna in Atlanta in 2018. There was also ~$95 million in salary exchanged in this deal, making it one of the biggest contract trades in baseball’s history.