Atlanta Braves: With Mike Moustakas sitting in free agency, club acquires Ryan Schimpf
By Jason Evans
The Atlanta Braves could use an upgrade at third, but instead of signing Mike Moustakas, they’ve acquired Ryan Schimpf from the Tampa Bay Rays
Do you want to know why the players are mad? Mad about free agents like Jake Arrieta and Mike Moustakas sitting in free agency as we’ve reached March 6. When teams like the Atlanta Braves make 47%, more than the previous year thanks to a new stadium — when the Braves have not signed a single free agent to an MLB contract during the off-season.
The Braves did make a move upgrade third base for this season. No, it wasn’t Moustakas. It was the king of the three actual outcomes in infielder Ryan Schimpf.
The #Braves have acquired INF Ryan Schimpf from the Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. He will wear uniform number 12.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 5, 2018
RHP Josh Ravin has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett.
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Schimpf hit just .158 with a .709 OPS last season for the San Diego Padres in 197 plate appearances. For his career, Schimpf has a .837 OPS against righties. Johan Camargo last year hit .403 with a 1.129 OPS vs. lefties. They could combine to be a decent platoon, plus give protection to other spots around the infield.
Yes, the Atlanta Braves have top prospect Austin Riley who should arrive quite soon. Moustakas would make some sense though to give the club a veteran presence in the lineup and to give them some more pop to help Freddie Freeman.
Even on a one year deal, and giving up a draft pick and international pool money (which they don’t have much of anyway due to the scandal under their former regime) he would still help. Plus, if the Braves fall out of it, they can use Moustakas as trade bait around the trade deadline. Maybe the New York Yankees do need a third baseman down the stretch. Maybe Miguel Sano gets suspended and really struggles coming back, and the Minnesota Twins could use some pop at the hot corner.
Could Schimpf and Camargo give the Atlanta Braves production? Sure, but Moustakas is still the better play.