Making the Atlanta Braves contenders with $35 million

Mike Foltynewicz, Johan Camargo, Joey Wentz, & Alex Jackson to the Tampa Bay Rays for Chris Archer

The main thing the Atlanta Braves need in order to contend is a solid starting rotation. A great offense means nothing if starters are routinely giving up five and six runs per game. The Braves need an upgrade, especially if Julio Teheran is dealt.

It’s time to go after Chris Archer:

This deal might get Chris Archer. It’s a bit of a stretch, but if his slight drop-off in performance over the last two seasons is any indication, then his value may have tanked ever so slightly, but enough so that he can be acquired without giving up multiple top arms.

There is no more “year of the Folty.” Mike Foltynewicz doesn’t have another chance to prove himself before the Braves give up on him. 2018 is his make-or-break season, and given his track record, I’d rather not let him spend it in Atlanta. Sure, he’s talented, but he hasn’t shown that his talent translates into being a successful MLB starter. Perhaps a change of scenery is what he needs.

This doesn’t mean, however, that Foltynewicz doesn’t have value on the trade market. He’s under control through the 2020 season, and if he doesn’t work out as a starter next season, he would be a great addition to Tampa Bay’s bullpen. Folty could be one of the most versatile relievers in the game if he can keep his temper under control in high-leverage situations.

Fans may get sick to their stomach at the thought of trading away Johan Camargo, but hypothetically speaking, this deal would happen after the Braves acquire Happ and Baez from the Cubs, so losing Camargo wouldn’t be so bad after all. He built some value as he showed out at the MLB level in 2017, and I think he’s a tremendous sell-high candidate because his numbers don’t seem sustainable to me.

Losing Alex Jackson hurts, and losing Joey Wentz hurts even more, but if the return is Chris Archer, then I’m all for it. Jackson has shown power in the minor leagues and had a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League against some of baseball’s best prospects.

Joey Wentz, on the other hand, has been dominant so far in his brief minor league career, posting a 2.87 ERA through 175.2 innings so far, and he projects to be as good as Kolby Allard and Mike Soroka. Wentz is essentially the centerpiece of this deal, and if the Rays value him as much as the Braves do, he should be instrumental in landing Chris Archer.

This trade would cost the Braves roughly $3 million regarding 2018 payroll obligations, bringing the potential offseason spending total back down to $39.5 million, and this is where the free agent signings begin.