MLB Hot Stove: Probable Contenders with Roster Holes Heading Into the 2019 Season
By Josh Ejnes
Atlanta Braves
It was no secret at the beginning of last season that the Braves had some pretty talented young players, but nobody expected Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies to have the impact that they did. The young Braves stepped up, and the result was an NL East championship.
Unfortunately, the party didn’t last long. The Dodgers dispatched the Braves in 4 games in the NLDS, and in the first two games the Braves failed to score a single run. This is probably more a product of strong Dodger pitching and young players with playoff jitters than a condemnation of the Braves offense; through the regular season the Braves had a runs per game well above the league average. If the Braves want to make a deep playoff run this year it’s actually they’re pitching that will need a boost.
Right now the Braves rotation is not strong enough to compete in the NL East. Braves starters will consistently have to go up against aces like Jacob DeGrom, Max Scherzer, Aaron Nola, Noah Syndergaard, and Jake Arrieta, just to name a few. Mike Foltynewicz right now seems like a solid top of the rotation guy for the Braves, but last year was his first really good year, leaving the possibility that it was a fluke (unlikely but possible).
Behind him is Sean Newcomb, who started strong but had a rough second half. Foltynewicz and Newcomb would be great as number two and three starters, but it’s a stretch to bump them up higher in the rotation. If one of them gets injured the situation becomes more dire, as nobody behind them in the rotation should be counted on in tough games. A trade for Kluber or the signing of Dallas Keuchel might be their best bet if they’re willing to eat the cost. Clay Buchholz could be a cheaper alternative to strengthen things, but he also carries quite the injury risk.